New York State Warning: "Brazen" Predator Spotted in Backyards

From Central Park to the residential streets of Buffalo and Pleasantville, these sightings have prompted official alerts for pet owners and parents to remain vigilant during the season's shorter, colder days.

1. The "Manhattan Milestone": Coyotes in the City

Perhaps the most shocking reports have come from the heart of New York City. While coyotes have been in the Bronx for decades, they are now firmly established in Central Park.

• The Resident Pair: A well-known pair of coyotes has been spotted by dozens of residents frequently patrolling the park's frozen ponds and crossing busy intersections in broad daylight.
• The "Brazen" Factor: Throughout late 2025, commuters and joggers reported coyotes standing their ground on park paths rather than fleeing, a sign of "habituation" that concerns wildlife biologists. These urban predators have learned that the city’s green spaces offer a buffet of rodents and improperly discarded food scraps.

2. Upstate Bear Alerts: Home Break-Ins

While bears typically settle into dens by early January, unseasonably warm spikes in late 2025 kept many active and searching for final calories.

• Aggressive Encounters: In the Hudson Valley and parts of Upstate New York, the DEC reported several incidents where black bears attempted to enter homes through screen doors and windows.
• The Buffalo Cub: In a "very unusual" sighting, a young bear cub was recently seen walking down residential sidewalks in South Buffalo, navigating through yards and fences with startling confidence.
• Property Damage: Officials in Pleasantville and the Catskill region have warned that bears are increasingly targeting outdoor grills and "bear-proof" trash bins that haven't been properly secured.

3. The "Food Reward" Problem

Biologists are clear about why these predators are becoming so bold: human habituation. * The Cycle: When a coyote or bear finds food in a backyard—whether it's a bird feeder, a bowl of pet food, or a grease-laden grill—they associate that specific house with a "reward."

• Loss of Fear: Once an animal receives a few "rewards," they stop fearing human voices and lights. This leads to the "brazen" behavior where they may approach a porch even when a human is visible.

4. How to Protect Your Property

To reduce the risk of a dangerous encounter, the DEC and wildlife advocates recommend several immediate steps for New York homeowners:

• The "Bird Feeder" Rule: If a predator is spotted in your area, remove all bird feeders immediately. The seeds attract rodents, which are a primary food source for coyotes and foxes.
• Secure the Trash: Do not put trash out the night before pickup. Store bins in a locked garage or shed.
• Feed Pets Indoors: Never leave pet food bowls outside, as the scent can carry for miles and act as a "dinner bell" for bears and coyotes.
• Close Off Crawl Spaces: Predators often seek out the warmth under porches or in crawl spaces for winter shelter. Ensure these areas are boarded up or fenced off.

What to Do If You See One

If you encounter a predator in your yard, do not run. This can trigger a chase instinct.

Instead, practice "Hazing": make yourself look as large as possible by raising your arms, and make as much noise as you can. Shout in a deep, firm voice. Use a "shaker can" (a soda can filled with pebbles) or an air horn if you have one. The goal is to reinforce the animal's natural fear of humans so they learn your backyard is a dangerous, unpleasant place to visit.