The Examiner

Traps Set Up in Chappaqua Woods to Catch Aggressive Coyote

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310 Coyote PixThe Town of New Castle set traps last week in the vicinity of Robert E. Bell Middle School in hopes of catching a coyote possibly linked to the disappearance of two dogs.

On Oct. 23, the town’s police department issued an advisory to residents that humane traps were placed in the woods between Aldridge Road and the middle school. People have been cautioned to stay out of the woods in the area running from Temple Beth-El to the school because any human activity could interfere with the operations.

The action was taken after two small dogs were reported missing within the past few weeks. A large coyote, estimated at about 65 pounds, has been spotted in the area, said Town Administrator Penny Paderewski.

Town officials have been working with a trapper to take action because this coyote has been particularly aggressive, Paderewski said. Routine steps such as yelling or throwing an object have failed to scare the animal

The traps are considered humane since the doors are padded with a hard rubber. However, people are advised to stay away from them because they could grab a hand or arm extremely hard, Paderewski said.

A notification will be sent out once the traps have been removed, the advisory stated.

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