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Protect Yourself and Your Family from Tick Bites This Spring And Summer

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2 years ago

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As the warmer weather is welcomed and families spend more time outside, remember to protect yourself and loved ones from tick bites. A bite from an infected tick can cause Lyme Disease and other diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Powassan.  The risk of encountering an infected tick in the Hudson Valley region is high.  

“Ticks, like many of us, become more active during warmer weather.  Ticks that carry Lyme disease continue to be found in Rockland; therefore, we advise residents to follow these precautions for an enjoyable and healthy season,” said Dr. Chitra Punjabi, Rockland County Department of Health Director of TB & Communicable Disease Control: 

  • Avoid contact with ticks – stay on cleared, well-traveled trails, walk in the center of trails, avoid dense woods and bushy areas, and avoid sitting directly on the ground or stone walls. 
  • Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors. Brush any ticks off before they attach. Do a complete check of your skin when you go back inside. Be sure to check for ticks on your children and pets, too!  It is easy to check when you bathe or shower, preferably within two hours, to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be on you. Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets) and remove ticks promptly. 
  • Remove any attached ticks using this safe method: Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick near the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible. Do not twist, turn, or squeeze the tick’s body. Instead, pull the tick in a steady, upward motion away from the skin until the tick lets go. To lessen your chance of infection, remove an attached tick as soon as possible. 
  • Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks, and shoes. Tuck your shirt into your pants and pant legs into your socks. Wear sneakers or boots, not sandals. Tie back long hair or wear a hat. 
  • Consider the use of an insect repellent. Carefully read and follow the directions on the repellent label. 

If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, contact your health care provider immediately to discuss any treatment and further prevention options. 

For more information visit these webpages: Rockland County Department of Health and New York State Department of Health.

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Pet Owners Urged to Stay Alert as Coyote Denning Season Begins

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2 hours ago

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January 20, 2026

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Rockland County pet owners are being urged to use extra caution as coyote denning season gets underway, a time when encounters and attacks on small pets are more likely to occur.

January through May marks the highest-risk period for pets, according to wildlife experts. During these months, coyotes are not simply passing through neighborhoods — they are actively mating, establishing dens, raising pups, and aggressively defending their territory. This heightened activity can lead to increased encounters, even in areas where residents may not typically expect wildlife.

Officials warn that complacency is one of the biggest dangers during denning season. Coyotes have been known to enter fenced yards and approach pets left unattended, particularly small dogs and cats.

Safety tips for pet owners include:

  • Never leave small pets unattended outdoors, even in fenced yards

  • Keep pets on a leash at dawn and dusk, when coyotes are most active

  • Avoid areas where dens may be present, as coyotes are especially protective of their young

Wildlife experts emphasize that coyotes are not inherently aggressive toward humans and are simply acting on instinct to protect their offspring. However, awareness and precaution are essential to reducing risk during this season.

Pet owners are encouraged to remain vigilant, supervise animals closely, and report aggressive wildlife behavior to local authorities if necessary.

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Community

GoFundMe Created for Congers Man Killed in Route 303 Crash in West Nyack

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1 day ago

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January 19, 2026

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WEST NYACK, NY — The community is mourning the loss of Joseph Signorini, 41, of Congers, who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident Wednesday evening in West Nyack.

According to the Clarkstown Police Department, officers responded to a serious pedestrian-involved crash on Route 303 near 81 North Route 303 at approximately 5:25 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Preliminary findings indicate that Signorini was walking within the southbound lane of Route 303 when he was struck by a vehicle. He was then struck by a second vehicle traveling in the northbound lane. Both drivers remained at the scene and are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Emergency medical personnel pronounced Signorini deceased at the scene.

The Clarkstown Police Accident Investigation Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist investigators to contact the Clarkstown Police Department.

Signorini was a resident of Congers, and news of his passing has deeply impacted the local community.

A fundraising campaign has been established on GoFundMe to help support his family during this difficult time.

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