What to do if you encounter a coyote
NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — Coyote sightings in Rhode Island have increased over the last few weeks.
One ABC 6 viewer shared a photo of her encounter with a coyote in Newport this morning on our NOW Local News App.
This is a photo of a coyote spotted in Newport. (Photo courtesy of Tiffanie Flores)
The Conservation Agency shared that they provide a Coyote Sightings Map on their website.
Dr. Numi Mitchell, Ph. D., of The Conservation Agency, said that seeing coyotes around Newport is nothing new and there is no concern for rabies at this time.
If you happen to encounter a coyote, here is what you should do, according to CoyoteSmarts:
- Be as big and loud as possible, do not run or turn your back
- Wave your arms, clap your hands, and shout in an authoritative voice
- Make noise by banging pots and pans or using an air horn or whistle — these sounds can also alert the neighbors
- Throw small stones, sticks, tennis balls or anything else you can lay your hands on — remember the intent is to scare and not to injure
- Spray with a hose, if available, or a squirt gun filled with water and vinegar
- Make a “coyote shaker”— a soda can filled with pennies or pebbles and sealed with duct tape, and shake it to scare off coyotes
More information and safety tips on coyote presence can be found here.
If the coyote appears to be sick or injured, report to local police or the RI Division of Fish and Wildlife at (401) 789 – 0281.
