Wildlife, Fish, and Marine Life Newsletter

Take Steps to Avoid Conflicts with Coyotes

It’s that time of year again when many of New York's resident coyotes are setting up dens for pups that will arrive this spring. Coyotes are well adapted to suburban and even some urban environments, and for the most part they will avoid contact with people. However, conflicts with people and pets may result as coyotes tend to be territorial around den sites during the spring through mid-summer. They need to search almost constantly to provide food for their young.

Coyotes are found throughout the state. Incidents with people or pets are rare, but it is important to be aware of the presence of coyotes so steps can be taken to reduce the chance that a negative interaction occurs. While coyotes that reside in suburban environments are tolerant of people, it is important to take steps to maintain coyotes’ natural wariness of people. This can include removing sources of food, not allowing coyotes to approach people or pets, and not letting pets roam freely and unsupervised. Contact your local police department and DEC regional office for assistance if coyotes are exhibiting "bold" behaviors and have little or no fear of people.

While coyotes are an integral part of our natural ecosystem and provide many benefits, we strongly encourage all New Yorkers to do their part and follow common-sense tips to ensure coyotes remain wary of people and minimize the chance of conflicts.

DEC to Discuss Managing Wildlife on Three Jefferson County Wildlife Management Areas

DEC will host an open house to share details about three completed habitat management plans for Black Pond, Honeyville, and Lakeview Wildlife Management Areas.

Tuesday, March 19, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Dulles State Office Building
317 Washington Street
1st Floor Conference Room
Watertown, NY 13601

DEC staff will be available for questions from 6 p.m. to 6:30 pm, followed by a formal presentation at 6:30 pm. Stop by and learn how DEC plans to manage habitat for wildlife at these properties. The meeting facility is wheelchair accessible. Please contact Erik Latremore at 315-785-6457 with any specific requests for accommodations.

View what activities you can do at these properties by clicking on the links above.

Brush Burning Prohibited in NYS March 16 through May 14

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminds residents that with spring approaching, conditions for wildfires will become heightened, and residential brush burning is prohibited March 16 through May 14 across New York State.

Even though much of the state is currently blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. DEC posts daily a fire danger rating map and forecast during fire season on its website and on the NY Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App available on DEC's website. Currently, wildfire conditions in the state are low risk.

Historically, open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures are warmer and the past fall's debris, dead grass, and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily and be further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.

Violators of the state's open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC's website.

For more information, visit DEC's Learn Before You Burn web page.