Coyotes Howling Through the Bronx: What Residents Need to Know
NEW YORK – The Spuyten Duyvil neighborhood of the Bronx is currently experiencing an unusual phenomenon: a pack of coyotes has taken up residence in the area, and their howls can be heard resonating from apartment buildings and social media posts alike.
The Sounds of the Bronx
In recent days, residents have reported howling noises so loud that they disrupt sleep. Notable among these accounts is Summer Kaltner, who captured a recording of the eerie howls from her 16th-floor apartment balcony at around 8 p.m. on a Sunday evening. Her surprise and concern were palpable as she exclaimed, “I just heard the craziest noise. My first thought was, ‘Oh my goodness, I would not want to be down there with that.’”
The Whispers of Wildlife
According to Keith Lovett, the vice president and director of animal programs at the Bronx Zoo, the number of coyotes howling may be less than it seems. He notes that a small group of coyotes can produce sounds that are misleadingly loud, creating the impression of a larger pack. Lovett speculates that the racket is likely due to just five or six coyotes communicating with each other.
Understanding Coyote Communication
The howling serves a significant purpose in the animal kingdom. “It’s territorial,” Lovett explains. “They’re basically setting their boundaries. It’s a form of communication, but as much as anything else, it’s territorial calling to other animals that may be in the area.” This characterization helps demystify why these urban canines howl, providing insight into their behavior.
Local Reactions to Coyote Activity
Residents of the area have mixed feelings regarding their new neighbors. Accounts suggest that howls have been heard as late as 3 a.m., leading some to jokingly describe it as a “convention” of coyotes. Concern for small pets has prompted residents to keep them indoors, with one individual admitting, “It’s kind of scary.”
Coyotes as Part of Urban Life
While the howling might be new to some residents, experts indicate that coyotes are not a recent phenomenon in New York City. They have adapted to urban environments and typically feed on local populations of rats, mice, and rabbits. This presence reflects a larger trend of wildlife acclimating to city life.
Why Coyotes Matter
The coexistence of urban wildlife like coyotes is critical to maintaining ecological balance, as pointed out by Lovett, who emphasizes the importance of recognizing wildlife even in densely populated areas. “Often in urban environments, you lose out on some of that wildlife you’d see in more rural or suburban areas,” he says. “So just appreciate it, and recognize that you have wildlife in New York City—and appreciate the calls.”
Conclusion
As residents of Spuyten Duyvil navigate the sounds of howling coyotes, it serves as a reminder of the wildlife that shares this urban landscape. Understanding and respecting these animals can lead to a better coexistence and appreciation of New York City’s diverse ecological tapestry.
