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Chappaqua has been the most publicized location of coyotes this spring, as residents have reported incidences of attacks on their pets. One family in particular, the Dresner’s—who lost their dog Ruby to a coyote—has received coverage from Channel 7 Eyewtiness News.
But they are far from the only residents aware and concerned about coyotes.
“We’re very concerned about the over-abundance of coyotes, particularly the increased aggression toward pets and their lack of fear toward humans,” said Chappaqua resident Eileen Gallagher.
“In the last two weeks, we’ve had one dog carried off and at least two that were attacked. They’re not just in wooded areas anymore. People are afraid to be outside with their pets and small children.”
However, since concerns pertaining to wildlife fall on the DEC, there is only so much local town and village governments can do. The hope is Clarke and Vicente can give an explanation of the increase in coyotes, along with advice about how residents can go about resolving the situation as a community.
“They’ll be able to give us information and answer everyone’s questions about coyotes,” said Town Administrator Penny Paderewski.
Paderewski had made a point of letting the public know there is only so much the town can do about coyotes, as all concerns pertaining to wildlife falls on the DEC.
“Coyotes are a serious matter,” she said in a Town Board public meeting. “However, they are controlled by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation—they are the authority concerning wildlife safety issues.”
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