Irvington Pet Attacked: Coyote Safety Alert Issued

Irvington Village is advising residents to stay vigilant after a recent coyote attack on a family pet and a noted increase in wildlife encounters. The incident occurred mid-June when a dog was attacked in its backyard. This event is part of a broader trend of heightened coyote activity reported throughout the village, with some animals exhibiting unusually bold behavior.

Village officials are consulting with animal control and state environmental agencies to manage the situation. While trapping was considered, state advice suggests it may be ineffective given the time elapsed since recent sightings. The current recommendation is to continue monitoring and reassess if further reports surface.

This surge in coyote activity is typical during pupping season, as adult coyotes hunt more to support their young and may become more territorial. The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommends specific actions if encountering a coyote: stand firm, make loud noises, and appear larger. They also advise supervising pets outdoors and securing food and garbage.

Separately, New York State Health Department issued a reminder about rabies prevention during summer. Any animal bites should be washed immediately with soap and water, followed by prompt medical attention to prevent potential rabies exposure, which is nearly always fatal but preventable.