Town Of Dedham: Coyote Breeding Season And Safety Tips From ACO

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

02/08/2022 3:36 PM

While the breeding season for most animals occurs in the spring or summer, coyote breeding typically peaks in late February and early March. This means that during this time, coyotes will begin a new pattern of movement and we may see (and hear) more of a coyote presence throughout our community. And while this is normal in nearly all communities throughout Massachusetts, it’s onset serves as a good time to review a little bit about our coyote ‘neighbors’ – to avoid conflicts with them.

The best way to avoid conflicts with coyotes:

• Do not feed them (or any other wildlife for that matter).
• Remove bird feeders from your yards --as when seeds fall to the ground, they attract small animals, on which coyotes’ prey.
• Do not feed pets outside, as even scraps or morsels left behind may serve as attractants to wildlife.
• Keep garbage can lids tightly secured and take your trash out on the morning of trash pickup, and not the night beforehand.
• If you see a coyote, do not run from it. Much like when seeing a loose dog, be aware of it, yet calmly walk away, and inside if possible.
• Do not let your pets run free and/or unattended. (With the town’s leash law, this shouldn’t be happening with dogs anyway!)

• If you are out walking your dog, especially after sunset and at night, it is best to refrain from using retractable leashes. If you are too far from your dog, a coyote may only see the dog, and not the human that is attached to the dog, given the reach of the retractable leash. Also, if walking after sunset, be extra aware of your surroundings – maybe even keep a flashlight with you, as a deterrent.

Coyotes (and other wildlife) have habituated into our (human) world/lifestyles, which is why they are often seen during the daytime and close to our homes and businesses. However, if you see a coyote in your yard, there are a few techniques that you can try to re-instill their natural fear of humans. These include yelling and waving your arms, banging pots & pans, sounding a blow horn, shining bright lights (if at night), squirting hoses or throwing objects towards them. Of course, all of this should be done at a safe distance.

And while you do not need to report all coyote sightings to Animal Control, it is good to report any encounters with those who appear aggressive, fearless, sick, or whom despite the removal of all attractants, continue to frequent your property.

In just a couple of months, as spring arrives, the pups that are conceived during February/March, will join our world. And they will likely take on the very same habits that are learned from their mothers/social units. So, it is up to us to help educate- them – so that we can all continue to peacefully coexist with one another.

Did you know? 

Male coyotes can become more territorial during this time of the year – and while the fact is, coyotes always pose a risk to dogs and other small pets, that risk increases during mating season. Therefore, large dogs may present as competition. Small dogs, cats may present as prey.

Most coyotes will avoid getting too close to humans (as well as to pets who are accompanied by humans) however, it is imperative that you do not seek opportunities to engage with them, as this has the potential to annoy them and thus could prompt a conflict.

Photo Above Courtesy of www.mass.gov

This press release was produced by the Town of Dedham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.