Lexington Animal Control: Coyote Calls On The Rise

LEXINGTON, MA — Lexington's animal control officer is seeing an uptick in calls about coyotes in town.

It's not unusual to see coyotes in backyards throughout Lexington and the Commonwealth. The eastern coyote is well established throughout Massachusetts except on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.

Lexington police said the animal control officer is receiving so many calls that they are instructing people to visit the Urban Coyote Initiative website to get better informed about the animals. The Urban Coyote Initiative is a team of photojournalists assisting scientists and cities across North America and gather the latest research about coyotes.

The website details how to coexist with coyotes and where issues with the animals could be rooted.

"With coyotes, a little bit of seemingly innocent behavior such as letting one's dog interact with a coyote or leaving scraps out to feed them are the start of much more serious problems. Even something as simple as a lack of awareness about attractants in one's own yard, like bird feeders and compost piles, can be at the root of coyote problems."

Police and animal control still urge residents to call if they have questions.