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Is Wilton's coyote population growing?
Coyote sightings seem to be on the rise in Wilton, but not because there are more of them. In fact, the number of coyotes in town has not changed appreciably for some time, according to Patricia Sesto, Wilton’s director of environmental affairs.

“People may be seeing more coyotes,” explains Sesto, “because the animals are becoming more comfortable in our environment.” She offers advice on co-existing with them. First, recognize warning signs of aggression. If you spot a coyote on your property, scare it away. Standing around idly may only embolden it. When it returns, Sesto warns, “It will come closer. Coyotes are territorial, so you need to establish yourself as the dominant entity by banging pots and pans or yelling. They are supposed to be scared of us. Otherwise, they will continue to expand their territory.”

Second, don’t leave anything outside that might attract them, such as unsecured garbage bins, barbecue utensils or scraps, or pet food bowls. Avoid letting small dogs out alone at night and keep an eye on bigger ones. “Large dogs can get into trouble, too. Coyotes perceive them as competition for their territory and will assert themselves to maintain it. While there is no reason to be overly concerned, caution and common sense are warranted.”

How does the town go about clearing the roads after a snowstorm?
When a snowstorm hits, the Wilton police provide the first alert. “They patrol the roads 24/7; they are the first to know when the roads are getting hazardous. They call us and we move out our 12 trucks,” says Tom Thurkettle, director of the Public Works Department. “Each truck is assigned to clear a ten-mile area, roughly 127 miles of road. It takes about three hours to run the initial sand and salt, although the length of time depends of the storm.” Primary roads, which account for one-third of the approximately 325 roads in town, are cleared first, then secondary roads, and finally, dead ends. Where the plows are sent can vary depending on what part of town is experiencing the worst conditions. “If there is an ice storm in north Wilton, we send everyone up there,” he adds.

This winter, the plows will be sweetening a few roads. The DPW will be testing a molasses-treated salt, an Ice B’Gone product that claims to be more effective because it sticks to the road. The town stores about 1,500 tons salt and 4,000 cubic yards of sand annually in a building behind the town hall annex, to be mixed and at the ready when a storm hits. This year, some Ice B’Gone will be there, too.     —By Susan Reid