From the Town's Animal Control Officer
Bobcats and foxes have been here forever, coyotes within the last half century and fishers this far south for about the last 20 years as far as I know. Up to about 10 bears a year pass through town. We now have resident bears in the more rural parts of Bethlehem. I try to monitor unusual occurrences with these animals and keep NYSDEC informed.
All of these animals are under DEC's responsibility not the Town's (518-357-2450 or 1-877-457-5680.) Under an emergency situation (as with a suspected rabid animal), I or any member of the police department would certainly take action to protect the public.
Parts of Albany County were opened for bear hunting recently. The rest of the county (including Bethlehem) were opened for bear season in 2016.
Coyotes are indeed among us. They are classified as a fur bearer
as are bobcats, foxes and fishers, and are under NYSDEC's protection. There are open seasons for legal hunting of these predators. If they are after farm livestock, they may also be taken. Legal hunting of these predators helps to maintain their fear of humans and helps prevent them from becoming habituated (becoming too familiar and unafraid of humans.) Coyotes do see dogs as canine invaders to their territory especially during their breeding season and when pups are small.
If dogs do not run at large (which is against town code), it is usually not a problem. They will take small companion animals, cats, dogs, rabbits, etc. if the opportunity presents itself. I try to monitor the local coyotes and watch for them to become habituated. I have only had to take action once in 23 years.
Most of the time it is cheaper, easier and longer lasting to exclude nuisance wildlife from places where it is not wanted. Animal Control can evaluate these problems, offer solutions and if required, provide a
list of Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs are licensed by the NYS DEC) to help.
NYSDEC's website can also be looked at for help. Remove bird feeders between April 1 - November 30. Bear nuisance complaint records reveal that
bird feeders are involved in over 80% of the bear problems around homes.
For several decades (starting when raccoon rabies first hit this area) we have been advising people not to leave pets out unattended, not to feed pets outside and not to leave any garbage available to attract wildlife.
Companion animals, especially cats, should be kept indoors. A free ranging cat is nothing more than a prey animal and an invasive species along with an easy target for local wildlife including birds of prey. They can also be both a traffic hazard and a nuisance to neighbors! If you love your companion animals and let them out, they should be closely monitored and under control.
There are open seasons for legal hunting and trapping. The trapping of wildlife can only be done by licensed trappers or licensed NWCOs. It is illegal for unlicensed people to transport wildlife. It is illegal for anyone to release wildlife on land that they do not own without written permission. I receive many calls for help from want-to-be trappers who get into a situation they can't handle and is possibly illegal.
ACO R.A. Watt 12/30/2016, updated 1/14/2022