Coyote Sightings Spike In Waltham, Officials Say

WALTHAM, MA — Waltham officials shared that coyote sightings have been trending upward in recent weeks.

That's not unusual, however. Late January through March is mating season for coyotes, which means it's expected that you may see more of them.

"Coyotes are not nocturnal and it is common to see them running through neighborhoods or down streets, utilizing these corridors to get from one wooded area to another," city officials said in a message to the community. "Please keep a watchful eye for your small breed dogs & cats who are most susceptible, especially at night."

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife have multiple resources available to learn about how to deal with coyotes, including tips on keeping pets safe.

A few of those strategies are included below:

• "It is your presence next to your pet that prevents an attack. Do not supervise your pets from a distance. Outdoor pets should be on a leash at all times.
• Keep cats indoors. If a cat is outdoors, they should be on a leash or directly supervised while in a secure enclosure.
• Keep dogs leashed and directly supervised whenever they are outside, especially early in the morning and at night.
• Install 6ft high fencing with the bottom extending 1ft underground provides the best protection for pets. If you have an existing fence, add a fence skirt that extends underground to prevent digging or roll bars to the top of the fence to prevent climbing.
• Visually scan your yard for wildlife before letting your dog outside.
• Illuminate your yard when your dog is outside when it’s dark.
• Remove all possible food sources that could attract wildlife to your property, including bird feeders, unsecured trash, pet food, and open compost.
• A bite from wildlife has the potential to spread disease, like rabies. Pets should be evaluated by a veterinarian if they are attacked by any wildlife."