So a big part of this project is finding coyotes in places where they have never been found before. This leads to a few challenges regarding sightings, especially those without pictures.

On the one hand, if we get a report of a coyote in, say, Suffolk County, at this point in time it is probably a mistake and the person likely saw a dog or a fox. In other words, if you are skeptical and bet that a un-documented sighting is not a coyote, you will probably be right.

But on the other hand, the entire point of this project is to observe coyotes colonizing Long Island, and at some point people will start seeing them and at that same point, the skeptical guess will end up wrong.

So how do we know if someone is legitimately seeing one of the first coyotes in their region or someone made a mistake?

If you can get a picture, that is the best way for us to make sure one way or the other. But sometimes pictures can be unclear, or at night, or the animals is too far away, etc. I would also say that under no circumstances should anyone try to approach wildlife or lure them closer. Coyotes are far less dangerous than dogs, but trying to get close to wildlife or enticing them closer with food is how problems arise! "Trying to" get a good picture means include staying still and quiet while in or near the woods and keeping a camera ready.

We are also following up on as many coyote sightings as we can (this will kick into gear this upcoming fall and winter) by speaking with respondents, going to the site and looking for sign, and when possible, setting up a camera.

We do not want to discourage anyone from submitting a sighting if they really think they have seen something. But we will likely have to follow up and might have to score your sighting as unconfirmed or "probably a fox" or something like that until we can get more evidence.

So -- do your best to get familiar with the different species and common ID "pitfalls" (see http://www.gothamcoyote.com/p/report-sighting.html for the basics) and try your best to get a picture within the bounds of ethical and safe behavior.