Concern after Coyote Kill at Popular Albany County Dog Park

Coyotes in the Capital Region

A resident warned locals to keep a close eye on pets after they found a deer carcass - which appeared to be ravaged by coyotes - at a popular dog walking park in Albany County.

As a city resident, I've played 100s of rounds at Capital Hills Golf Course in Albany, New York.  Having spent plenty of time searching the woods for my stray shots, I've encountered groundhogs, deer, turtles, interesting birds, and even a fox, but thankfully, never a pack of coyotes.

Redditor Warns Residents to Keep an Eye Out

Things change in the Capital Region when the weather turns colder, and Capital Hills in Albany is no different.  When late fall and winter hit, golfers are replaced by a litany of dog walkers who enjoy the space and the views with their furry friends.

A recent Reddit Albany post from a regular contributor warned of the possibility of a pack of coyotes in the area after having seen a deer carcass, which this Redditor seemed to think was "undoubtedly" the work of coyotes, writing:

"There were the scraps of a deer kill on 17 today, which was undoubtedly the work of a group of coyotes. There are already warning signs (around the area) about coyote activity on the course, but (I) figured I'd pass this along. If you have a dog (under) 60ish pounds, I (would) avoid dawn or dusk walks at the course for the rest of the winter and early spring. If the coyotes in the area are killing deer in the first week of February, you can bet they'd be willing to make a run at a small dog." 

Ring Cam Catches 'Unsettling' Screams from Upstate New York Home

Should Dog Owners Be Concerned?

The NYS DEC says the answer isn't always cut and dry.

They say that conflicts between dogs and coyotes can happen any time of the year but are more likely in March and April.

During this time, coyotes are setting up their denning areas for their soon-to-arrive pups. Coyotes become exceptionally territorial around these den sites to create a safe place for their young," the DEC states.

Coyotes can generally view your dog as a threat as "both believe that your yard is their territory," the DEC adds.

How to Handle Coyote Encounters 

The NYS DEC lists the ways to avoid conflict with coyotes:

• Do not approach a coyote or let children or pets approach a coyote.
• If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior-stand tall, and hold your arms out to look prominent. If a coyote lingers too long, make loud noises, wave your arms, or throw sticks and stones.
• Contact your local police department and DEC regional office for assistance if you notice that coyotes exhibit "bold" behaviors and have little or no fear of people.
• Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance. Children are at the most significant risk of being injured by coyotes. If a coyote has been observed repeatedly near an area where children frequent, be watchful.