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One of the doglike critters was spotted, if not running the bases, then roaming around the edges of, the fenced-in field, police said.
Police were warning parents using the park to keep an eagle eye on their little ones and family pets.
According to the Humane Society, coyote spottings, though rare, are becoming more common as humans encroach on the animal’s territory.
Coyotes are generally nocturnal, but seeing one during the day doesn’t necessarily mean it is sick or aggressive, the society said.
Coyotes who don’t run away when encountering humans have likely gotten used to their presence.
Nevertheless, the society said, you should never approach the animal or attempt to leave it food.
According to coyotesmarts.org, there are ways to “haze” or scare off a coyote.
These include the following:
- Being as big and loud as possible. Do not run or turn your back on the animal.
- Waving your arms, clapping your hands, and shouting in an authoritative voice.
- Making noise by banging pots and pans or using an air horn or whistle.
- Throwing small stones, sticks, tennis balls or other small object.
- Spraying the animal with a hose or a squirt gun filled with water and vinegar.
- Shaking a soda can filled with pennies or pebbles and sealed with duct tape.
If you do spot old Wile E. Coyote roaming around, report it to Clarkstown police by calling (845)- 639-5800.
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