North Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - Mayor Austin Tylec is warning residents about an increase in coyote sightings across several North Tonawanda neighborhoods.
In a social media post Tuesday evening, Tylec said the city has received numerous reports and has hired a licensed trapper to monitor and humanely capture the animals.
Earlier this month, a resident told WBEN that a coyote followed her while she was walking with her two small children near Rosebeck and the Niagara Parkway during their morning walk.
Coyotes typically avoid people, but their presence in populated areas has raised concerns for the safety of residents, pets and children.
City officials said coyotes may become more visible in the fall as they search for food and shelter. Tracking activity, they added, helps the city better understand patterns and address public safety concerns.
Tylec urged residents to report sightings by submitting details about the location, time and behavior of the animal through an online form.
Submission form:
https://forms.office.com/r/Hf23gYJ0AT