Why Are Coyotes Taking Over Long Island? NYC Rats Might Be the Surprising Reason
So here’s the thing—Long Island folks are spotting coyotes way more often these days. And experts? They’re saying these guys aren’t just passing through. They’re settling in. Michael Bottini from the Seatuck Environmental Association dropped a wild stat: at least five coyote couples have set up shop in northwest Nassau County this year. And sightings? They’re creeping further east every month. But why now? Well, hold onto your coffee—it might actually be New York City’s nasty rat problem that’s pulling them in.
Coyotes on Long Island: What’s Going On?
More Sightings, More Pups
Let me put it this way—coyotes aren’t exactly new here, but they’re getting way too comfortable. Bottini’s team keeps finding proof of breeding pairs in places you wouldn’t expect, like suburban parks and even backyards. And these aren’t just lone wolves—pun intended. They’re raising families. That’s the big difference. A few years back, spotting one was rare. Now? It’s like they’ve got a VIP pass to the island.
Why They Love It Here
Honestly, Long Island’s kinda perfect for them. Think about it—plenty of woods to hide in, barely any natural predators, and tons of food just lying around. Garbage cans, pet bowls, squirrels… you name it. Coyotes aren’t picky. And unlike bears or mountain lions, they don’t mind humans being nearby. Actually, they’re thriving because of us. Go figure.
Here’s Where NYC’s Rats Come In
Fast Food for Coyotes
Okay, this part’s gross but makes total sense. NYC’s rat population is out of control, right? Well, coyotes love that. Rats are basically walking protein bars for them. Studies show urban coyotes chow down on rodents all the time. Bottini put it bluntly: “They follow the food.” So if rats are spilling over from the city, coyotes are gonna trail behind like a creepy, furry Uber Eats.
How They’re Getting Here
Now, you’re probably wondering—how do coyotes even get to Long Island? Bridges? Swimming? Nope. They’re sneaky. Wildlife corridors—like train tracks or those green strips along highways—act as their secret highways. Some might even be hitching rides on the same paths deer use. Under cover of darkness, of course. These guys aren’t stupid.
Why Coyotes Are Winning at Survival
Adapt or Die? They Choose Adapt.
Coyotes are the ultimate survivors. They’ll hunt alone or in packs, switch to night shifts to avoid humans, and change their diets based on what’s available. Long Island’s basically a buffet for them—rabbits, squirrels, garbage… and yeah, rats. They’re not just surviving; they’re living their best lives.
Breeding Like… Well, Coyotes
Here’s the kicker—they multiply fast. One pair can pop out 4 to 7 pups every single year. Meanwhile, Long Island’s fox numbers are dropping. It’s not even a fair fight at this point. Coyotes are playing the long game, and they’re winning.
What This Means for Humans
Should We Be Worried?
Attacks on people? Super rare. But small pets? That’s another story. If you’ve got a tiny dog or an outdoor cat, dawn and dusk are risky times. Experts say keep ‘em leashed, lock up your trash, and for God’s sake—don’t feed the coyotes. There’s a saying in pest control circles: “A fed coyote is a dead coyote.” Harsh, but true. When they lose their fear of humans, bad things happen.
The Ecosystem Shake-Up
On one hand, coyotes might mess with local wildlife by bullying foxes or overhunting small animals. But here’s a twist—they could actually help with Long Island’s insane deer problem. Fewer deer means fewer car accidents and less garden destruction. Silver lining? Maybe. But it’s complicated.
What Can We Actually Do About It?
Education Over Extermination
Groups like Seatuck aren’t pushing for mass coyote removal. Bottini’s blunt about it: “Relocation rarely works.” Instead, they’re big on teaching people how to live with them. Report sightings, keep food secured, and learn some basic hazing techniques—like making loud noises to scare them off. Old-school, but effective.
Why Killing Them Doesn’t Work
Here’s the thing—traditional pest control fails hard with coyotes. They’re too smart, too adaptable, and breed way too fast. Cities like Chicago figured this out years ago. Coexistence strategies? That’s the real solution. Annoy them enough, and they’ll avoid your neighborhood. Simple as that.
Bottom Line
Like it or not, coyotes are Long Island’s new normal. And NYC’s rat circus? It’s basically rolling out the red carpet for them. The best we can do is stay informed, protect our pets, and maybe—just maybe—let them handle some of our pest problems. Ironic, right? Nature’s got a weird sense of humor.
Source: NY Post – US News
