Photo: Aldrich, Beatrice (uploader)
WRENTHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Wrentham officials are cautioning residents after numerous reports of coyote sightings.
Town Administrator Kevin Sweet said there have recently been several 911 calls reporting coyote sightings throughout the town, including a call for a coyote spotted at Sweatt Field.
Town officials said all reports have been for sightings only, and no interactions have been reported.
"In light of recent reports, we would like to remind all community members to be cautious of any coyotes they may cross paths with," Sweet said. "Coyotes will typically avoid human contact, however, we want to provide the following tips to ensure community members are equipped with the proper knowledge to stay safe."
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife provided these safety tips for people to follow:
- Never provide food for coyotes or do anything to attract them. Coyotes rely on natural food and typically remain wild and wary of humans.
- Prevent coyotes from accessing food sources:
- Food, including snacks, pet food, birdseed and food-related trash, can attract coyotes and other wildlife. Left outside, these foods encourage wild animals to visit residential areas.
- Only feed pets indoors and keep dumpster and trash areas clean, as well as keep trash containers covered.
- Spend time outdoors. Coyotes generally try to avoid humans, and their natural fear is reinforced when play areas, back yards and trails are actively used by people. The regular presence of people is a deterrent for coyotes.
- Protect pets from coyotes. Coyotes can view cats and small dogs as potential food, and larger dogs as competition. For the safety of your pets, keep them leashed and under your supervision at all times. Also remember to feed your pets indoors to avoid attracting wildlife.
- If you encounter a coyote, Project Coyote recommends taking steps to scare it away — these steps are known as hazing:
- Stand your ground: Make eye contact and advance toward the coyote while actively hazing until it retreats. Allow room for it to retreat.
- Make sure the coyote is focused on you as a source of danger. Do not haze from a building or car where it can’t clearly see you.
- Continue your hazing efforts, even if there is more than one coyote present.
- Use multiple tools, such as loud sounds, light and exaggerated motion.
- Hazing should be exaggerated, assertive and consistent.
- Coyotes have routine habits, so make note of when and where you encounter them. Ask your neighbors to assist in scaring them off.
- If a coyote appears sick or injured, do not attempt to haze it.
- Hazing should be avoided in the months of March through July, as well as if the coyote is a comfortable distance away, or if you encounter a coyote in an open area where a den may be nearby. You should haze a coyote if it approaches you, or if you see it comfortably walking in a neighborhood or park.
Town officials ask community members not to call 911 to report a coyote sighting. If they observe a coyote that shows no fear of humans, is exhibiting aggressive or rabid-like behavior, they should contact the animal control officer at the police department immediately at 508-384-2121 ext. 2.
If anyone is attacked by a coyote, they should immediately call 911.
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