Coyote Sighted Near Route 119

A coyote was sighted near 500 White Plains Road this morning.

Greenburgh police Lt. Brian J. Ryan said the call came in at about 10:35 a.m. Officers responded but did not find it.

It is unknown whether the animal, which was reported to be injured, is the same coyote sighted repeatedly last week around Tarrytown.

"If it had been in a residential area, that would be a concern," Ryan said. But the companies and parking lots on that stretch of Route 119 are near a wooded area that is a minor habitat for wildlife.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, coyotes are firmly established in New York and can coexist with people, as long as the canines fear people.

The DEC says to make loud noises, wave your arms and throw sticks and stones if you come across an aggressively behaved coyote. To prevent coyotes from getting too comfortable in your backyard make sure to never feed them, and not feed your pets outside.

The DEC also recommends: not making garbage accessible to coyotes and other animals; not leaving out bird seed, since birds and rodents attract coyotes; fencing in your property; removing brush and tall grass from your property; teaching your children to keep a distance from the animals; not leaving your pets outside to roam free; and asking your neighbors to follow the same steps.

Find more information and resources about coyotes on the Greenburgh town website.

In White Plains, call the public safety department at their non-emergency number at 914-422-6111. When public safety receives a report about a coyote sighting an animal control or police officer is sent out when appropriate.

Local Editor Dina Sciortino contributed to this report.