Coyote Kills Dog, Natick Warns 'They Have Been Here All Along'

NATICK, MA—Following a devastating loss of a family pet, the town is reminding residents about the prevalence of coyotes in the area and how to be safe around them.

Last week, a coyote attacked and killed a family dog named Gooner in the back yard of a home on Terrace Road in Natick, reports WHDH-TV, and other towns have reported sightings and concerns.

The town recently posted an alert to residents:

"As you may or may not be aware, there are coyotes in Natick and surrounding towns," said the statement. "They have been here all along, however increased development leading to loss of habitat have led to them being noticed more frequently."

Because coyotes are not nocturnal its fairly common to see these animals running through neighborhoods or down streets in the day time in order to get from one wooded area to another. They do not want to be around people, and usually scurry if they see a human.

"If you encounter an animal that is an immediate threat to people or acting sick or abnormal, do not hesitate to call 911 immediately so an officer can be sent to evaluate and take any necessary action," said the announcement. "Coyotes taking pets are not considered an immediate threat to human safety, therefore ACO's and municipal police departments are not authorized to remove these wild animals. I can not stress enough the importance of keeping cats indoors and dogs leashed or close to you under your direct supervision in the yard."

The following information is from coyote biologists and MA Wildlife:

• Coyotes are currently well established throughout the state from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. They thrive in suburban and urban areas close to people.
• Coyotes eat many different foods, including small animals, fruits, vegetables, garbage, and pet food. Remember everything a coyote does is related to a potential meal.

Here are a few suggestions to make your property less attractive to coyotes:

• Don't let coyotes intimidate you: Don't hesitate to scare or threaten coyotes with loud noises and bright lights. Don't hesitate to pick up small objects, such as a tennis ball, and throw them at the coyote. If a water hose is close at hand, spray the coyote with water in the face. Let the coyote know it is unwelcome in your area.

• Secure garbage: Coyotes will raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost piles in containers designed to contain but vent the material.
• Don't feed or try to pet coyotes: Keep wild things wild. Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause coyotes to act tame and over time may lead to bold behavior. Coyotes that rely on natural food items remain wild and wary of humans.
• Keep your pets safe: Although free roaming pets are more likely to be killed by automobiles than by wild animals, coyotes do view cats and small dogs as potential food and larger dogs as competition. For the safety of your pets, keep them restrained at all times.
• Feed pets indoors: Outdoor feeding attracts many wild animals to your door.
• Keep bird feeding areas clean
• Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground as the seed attracts many small mammals that coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard.
• Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds: Coyotes use such areas for resting and raising young.
• Cut back brushy edges in your yard: These areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey.
• Protect livestock and produce: Coyotes will prey upon livestock. Techniques, such as fencing, will protect livestock from predation. Clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees.
• Educate your neighbors: Pass this information along since your efforts will be futile if neighbors are providing food or shelter for coyotes.

Photo Credit: Mass.gov