“Knowledge is power? No. Knowledge on its own is nothing, but the application of useful knowledge, now that is powerful.” - Rob Liano

It is no secret that the residents of Portsmouth share their community with coyotes, as well as a variety of other wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, opossums, and foxes. As with all wild animals, keeping your distance is highly recommended. Since coyotes have become more visible in our community, organizations have put together information on how best to co-exist and keep you and your pets safe.  Please check out the following sites and keep up to date on our local coyotes!

• CoyoteSmarts
  • Read this Press Release by DEM on coyote behavior in the spring and the CoyoteSmarts toolkit for municipalities! 
• Narragansett Bay Coyote Study
• RI DEM Fact Sheet
• RI DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife-Understanding the Eastern Coyote, A Management & Response Guide
• Video:  Creating Urban Coyotes - Coyotes can become "habituated" or lose their natural fear of people through intentional or unintentional feeding. This video features the now-famous "Cliff the Coyote" who became the poster boy for habituation, leading to his eventual capture and relocation.
• Video:  What To Do If You See A Coyote - This video shows some techniques people can use to protect their "territories" (yards and neighborhoods) when coyotes come to call.
• Video:  Coyote Problems...Why Not Just Shoot Them? - This video explains why shooting and other lethal means really are not the best way to reduce coyote populations.