WPCNR HIGHLANDER. By Candyce Corcoran for White Plains CitizeNetReporter. January 20, 2008: Last night at 12:32 a.m., while driving down Midchester Ave making the turn into our driveway, we noticed what we first thought were 2 dogs walking across Midchester Avenue into our neighbors side and then backyard, proceeding towards Soundview Ave. Taking a better look, I realized that these two, "yellow eyed dogs" were actually beautiful COYOTES.
It is imperative to notify the Residents of White Plains, to take all precautions in protecting their pets. ( I have 2 cats and 3 small dogs.)
The coyote is a member of the dog family and is one of the few wild animals whose vocalizations are commonly heard. At night coyotes howl. The coyote uses its den to birth its young and to sleep. The coyote does not hibernate so we need to be careful throughout the year. Coyotes are essentially nocturnal but can occasionally be seen during daylight hours to defecate and urinate. Coyotes are capable of running at speeds up to 35 mph and they can jump distances of up to 4 meters.
Coyotes are versatile in their eating habits and love nothing better than cats and small dogs. Make sure that no pet food is ever left outdoors. They are carnivorous; 90% of their diet is mammalian. They eat primarily small mammals, such as rabbits, moles and mice. They occasionally eat birds, snakes, large insects and other large invertebrates and of course our garbage. They prefer fresh meat, but they consume large amounts of carrion. Plants eaten include leaves of balsam fir and white cedar, sarsaparilla, strawberry, and apple. Fruits and vegetables are a significant part of the diet of coyotes in the fall and winter months.
When walking your small dog where coyotes are present, take along a walking stick or some device that can make a loud noise to scare them off if you are confronted.
If a wild coyote bites you or your dog, you need to get proper medical treatment immediately. A person or animal that has been infected with rabies will die without proper medical treatment.
I hope the information is helpful.
