Wildlife Advisory

Residents:

The Sands Point Police Department and our Dept. of Public Works advise that there have been increased reports of wildlife we don't normally see in our area. These sightings include deer, coyotes, foxes, hawks, and beautiful Bald American eagles. With the exception of deer, these species are generally predatory in nature. They are indigenous to Long Island, and their numbers are increasing.  

  Recently, a few coyotes were seen feeding on smaller wildlife in the area. We contacted many local and state agencies, including the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Nassau County SPCA, who have both confirmed that neither the Village nor Nassau County residents are allowed to trap or hunt coyotes.

Some backstory: Per Nassau County SPCA, coyotes have been back on Long Island for 12 years, and they receive many calls every week about them. Furthermore, according to the NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation, Stony Brook office, physical interactions between coyotes and humans and their pets are extremely, extremely rare, and they have no recollection of any physical contact during that time period. 

Per the NC SPCA, the natural response of these animals is to flee if encountered by people.  In fact, the North Hempstead website says, “If you spot a fox or a coyote, DON’T PANIC! - Stand tall, wave your arms, and make some noise. They’ll get the message and move on with their day.”

Under State laws, there is nothing the Village can do to remove, relocate, or destroy these animals. Nevertheless, we suggest that if you do have smaller pets (smaller dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other domesticated animals), to exercise some caution.  You should consider walking them on a leash and, perhaps, limiting their access to open, visible parts of your property and avoiding brush.

On a related note, please also ensure that your garbage is tightly covered.  Do not feed them, approach them, or leave food that might attract them.

If you see any wildlife behaving aggressively, contact the Sands Point Police at 516-883-3100. No need to call the police if you merely spot them.

For more information and advice on coyotes, visit NYS DEC at: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/nuisance-wildlife-species/coyote-conflicts

Thank you,

Chief Casey Wall

Sands Point Police

Christian DiMartino

Superintendent of Public Works