Waltham Police: Leave Coyote Named 'Gramps' Alone

WALTHAM, MA — After a number of people called to complain about a mangy-looking coyote laying in their yards, and hanging around Dale Street, concerned the animal might be ill, the Waltham Police Department took to social media to let residents know the animal, officials have dubbed "Gramps" is not injured or sick.

"The coyote in question is NOT sick," reads a post on the Waltham police Facebook page. "He is an old-timer and doesn’t get around as well as he used to. He likes to rest and take naps."

According to the Waltham police department the coyote was rescued on Dale Street on April 26 and after a rehab at Tuft’s he was released back to his home territory. Residents reported seeing him on Galen Street and in the area.

The MA Fish and Wildlife department have tagged him. And in photos you can make out his two blue tags on his ears. The animal experts say he is shedding for the summer, which has the effect of making him look mangy and sick. He is not, they said.

"He is old, slow, and tired," according to the post. "The Highlands is his area and he has been seen around a lot. Best advice is to leave him alone. You can scare him off by yelling at him ….he will and does run from people."

Experts stress that coyotes in general are not aggressive and do not — even in packs — attack humans or anything much bigger than a very small dog. And because coyotes are generally skittish, they won't even do that unless no loud humans are around.

Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will normally eat whatever is easiest to catch, wildlife experts say. They usually eat fruit and berries, small rodents (and yes, rats!), rabbits, birds and insects, as well as pet food and garbage. They size up their prey, and if there is a threat of getting injured, they won't take the risk.

Coyotes In Waltham: What To Do

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, a column, event or opinion piece.