What to Know
- A coyote was captured on the roof of the New York State Museum in Albany Tuesday, authorities say
- Coyote sightings aren't uncommon in the tri-state area, though coming out during the day in public places can indicate possible rabies
- It's not clear if authorities believe the museum coyote may have been infected or simply got lost
A coyote somehow found its way onto the roof of the New York State Museum in Albany Tuesday, authorities say.
The mangy animal was seen in a New York State Police photo resting on the ground outside an alarm-activated door of the Madison Avenue museum. State Police said the canine had been contained and animal control was contacted.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation said it too was assisting. Its wildlife technicians tranquilized the coyote, which was then taken to a DEC lab for further evaluation. It's not clear how the coyote got into the museum, much less how it got to that height.
The museum, located at the southern end of the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany, features New York history and natural sciences exhibits and is a popular destination for school field trips. It's also home to the State Archives and State Library.
Coyote sightings aren't uncommon in the tri-state area, though coming out during the day in public places can indicate possible rabies. It's not clear if authorities believe the museum coyote may have been infected or simply got lost.
Wildlife experts say people can reduce the risk of coyote conflicts by not feeding them and securing trash and pets, among other steps.
