09/02/2026
LONG POST AHEAD - BUT WORTH THE READ! :)
The Cheshire Police Department and Animal Control Division would like to share information and guidance from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division regarding coyotes in our community.
LIVING SAFELY WITH COYOTES
Coyotes are common throughout Connecticut and are well adapted to living near residential areas. While their presence can understandably cause concern, according to the DEEP Wildlife Division, coyotes are generally not a danger to humans. Seeing a coyote near a home—or even seeing one during daylight hours—does not necessarily mean the animal is aggressive, sick, or dangerous.
Coyotes that appear overly curious or comfortable around residential areas may be younger animals that have not yet learned to avoid people and developed areas. In these situations, residents can help reinforce appropriate boundaries by making coyotes uncomfortable when they begin encroaching upon areas regularly occupied by people and pets.
If coyotes have established or are repeatedly using a den near a home or other area of human activity, motion-activated “bear alarms” or similar motion-activated noise devices may also be placed near the den area. These devices activate when the coyotes enter or leave the area, creating an unpleasant and unpredictable disturbance that may discourage them from becoming comfortable at the site or continuing to use it.
Residents should never approach or reach into an occupied den and should keep children and pets away from known denning areas.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING CONFLICTS WITH COYOTES
• Never intentionally feed coyotes. Equally important, eliminate unintentional food sources. Secure garbage and compost in animal-proof containers, bring pet food indoors, clean spilled birdseed from beneath feeders, and remove fallen fruit. A reliable food source will encourage coyotes to remain comfortable in an area and continue returning.
• Keep pets protected. Do not allow pets to run free. Cats should be kept indoors, particularly at night, and dogs should be leashed or closely supervised outdoors. An appropriately constructed kennel or coyote-resistant fencing can provide additional protection. Invisible electric fencing does not prevent coyotes from entering a yard.
• Do not approach a coyote. Give the animal an opportunity to leave and never attempt to corner or physically interact with it.
• Make coyotes uncomfortable around people and homes. If a coyote becomes too comfortable in a residential area, safely frighten it away. Shout, wave your arms, use an air horn, spray it with a garden hose, or use other safe noise-making deterrents. The goal is to reinforce that areas occupied by people and pets are not comfortable places for coyotes to remain.
• Consider motion-activated deterrents near denning areas. If coyotes have established or are repeatedly using a den near a home or another area of regular human activity, motion-activated “bear alarms” or similar motion-activated noise devices may be placed near the den area. These devices activate when animals enter or leave the area, creating an unpleasant and unpredictable disturbance that may discourage coyotes from becoming comfortable at the site or continuing to use it. Residents should never approach or reach into an occupied den and should keep children and pets away from known denning areas.
• If you encounter a coyote while walking your dog, keep your dog under control and calmly leave the area. Do not run or turn your back on the animal. Coyotes are territorial, and some reports involving coyotes approaching or threatening larger dogs may be related to territorial behavior.
• Teach children what to do. Children should be taught to recognize coyotes and should never approach one. If approached, they should not run. They should move toward a safe location, such as inside a home or onto an elevated deck or play structure, and yell for an adult.
• Discourage denning close to homes. Potential den locations may include natural burrows, rock crevices, hollow tree cavities, crawl spaces, and areas beneath decks or sheds. Unoccupied dens can be filled or collapsed, and access beneath structures can be prevented using appropriate animal-proof materials. Never attempt to remove animals from an occupied den yourself.
• Educate your neighbors. Coyote deterrence is most effective when everyone in a neighborhood removes potential food sources and discourages coyotes from becoming comfortable around people and residences.
WHEN SHOULD A COYOTE BE REPORTED?
Residents should be aware of coyotes exhibiting unusually bold, aggressive, or abnormal behavior. This can include approaching people for food, attacking leashed pets accompanied by their owners, stalking children, chasing joggers or bicyclists, staggering, experiencing seizures, or displaying extreme lethargy.
Please remember that seeing a coyote during daylight hours alone is not considered abnormal behavior and does not necessarily indicate that the animal has rabies.
Coyotes exhibiting abnormal behavior or presenting an immediate threat to people or pets should be reported promptly.
HUNTING, TRAPPING & NUISANCE WILDLIFE CONTROL
Regulated hunting and trapping may be used to remove problem coyotes in areas where it is safe and legal to do so.
DEEP does not routinely remove problem coyotes but may issue a special trapping permit allowing a qualified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO), hired by a landowner or municipality, to target coyotes responsible for serious property damage, attacks on supervised pets or penned livestock, disease concerns, or legitimate public health and safety threats.
Property owners considering hunting, trapping, or professional wildlife control should contact DEEP for guidance and ensure that all applicable state and local laws, permitting requirements, and safety restrictions are followed.
REPORTING & INFORMATION
For general coyote concerns, control information, or questions regarding nuisance coyotes:
Cheshire Animal Control Division 203-271-5590
or
Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Division: 860-424-3011
For animals behaving abnormally or presenting an immediate threat to public safety:
Cheshire Police Department 203-271-5500 or 911 for emergencies
or
DEEP Emergency Dispatch Office (24 hours): 860-424-3333
