Submitted by the Bedford Board of Health
Editor’s Note: Responding to a spate of coyote sightings in Bedford, the Board of Health has shared information about the species. If you decide a situation requires an immediate response, contact Bedford Animal Control (781)-275-1212 or the Massachusetts Environmental Police at (800) 632-8075. PLEASE SHARE THESE COYOTE FACTS AND TIPS WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS
ABOUT COYOTES
Eastern Coyotes are an important and valuable natural resource in Massachusetts. Coyotes provide ecological benefits by their role as predators. These animals limit the mesocarnivore populations such as skunks, raccoons, and foxes, which in turn allows for the increase in bird diversity.
Coyotes also prey on rodents, which helps to limit rodent populations and the nuisances they cause. When humans interfere with coyotes or any other wildlife, it can become a threat to Public Health and Safety. Coyotes have always been a part of our environment, but due to many environmental changes, the coyote population (as well as other wildlife) is becoming more evident. Coyotes can thrive close to humans in suburban and urban areas. They require only a source of food, water, and shelter. Coyotes are naturally wary of people.
The presence of coyotes is not necessarily a cause for concern; however, it is important to deter them and be aware of safety concerns. Coyotes are known to become comfortable in neighborhoods if they are not discouraged or are in any way attracted to the area.
Human interaction should always be limited as much as possible with all types of wildlife. People should never approach, touch, or give food to any animal. Such contact is not safe for people, pets, or wildlife.
The following information focuses on coyotes, but also applies to many other species of wildlife, and was obtained in part from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
IDENTIFYING COYOTES
The eastern coyote resembles a medium sized dog in body size and shape, but has longer, denser fur and pointed, erect ears. The tail is long, black-tipped, and bushy. Typical coat color is a grizzled gray but can vary from creamy blonde to red or nearly solid black. An adult male and female will actively maintain a territory that may vary in size from 2 to 30 square miles.
Breeding season peaks in mid-February. They give birth in a den to 4-8 pups in April or May. Pups disperse on their own in late autumn.
Coyotes remain active year round and do not hibernate.
A healthy coyote should be shy and elusive, if not attracted or changed by human involvement.
Coyotes can be active night or day, and sightings at dawn or dusk are common.
TIPS TO HELP PREVENT COYOTES
There are ways that you can make your property less attractive to coyotes and avoid having problems with these predators.
Food Sources: Food sources on or near your property will attract Coyotes to the area and cause them to act tame, which may lead to bold behavior. Coyotes will utilize whatever food is most readily available and easiest to obtain, including small animals, birds, insects, and fruits, as well as artificial sources such as garbage, pet food, birdseed, and compost. Never provide food for coyotes.
Bird Feeders: Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground and clean spilled seed daily. Birdseed attracts many small mammals that coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes (or similar wildlife) are regularly seen around your yard.
Secure Garbage: Coyotes raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure garbage in tough plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep them in secure buildings when possible, until trash pick-up day. Take trash out morning of, not the night before. Keep compost in secure, vented containers; keep barbecue grills clean to reduce attractive odors.
Plants: Clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Pick fruit or vegetables as soon as it is ready to be harvested.
Shelter: Eliminate spaces coyotes could potentially hide. Close off crawl spaces such as under porches and sheds where they could rest and raise young. Cut back bushes to avoid such hiding spaces.
SAFETY
Children: Talk to children about wildlife and their safety. Remind them of the importance to keep their distance, never approach a wild animal, never feed or touch an animal you do not know and to alert an adult when you see an animal you do not know nearby. Do not run if you see a wild animal nearby, and slowly back away to a building or house. Instinctively coyotes and foxes (also pet dogs) will follow after anything that runs. If a wild animal comes closer to you, talk loudly and make yourself look bigger by putting your arms over your head or opening your jacket and expanding your arms out. The bigger you look, the scarier you look to the animal. Remind children to always find and tell an adult when wildlife is encountered.
Keep Wildlife Wild: Always enjoy wildlife from a distance, do not keep wild animals as pets. This is against the law in Massachusetts.
Pets and Livestock: If you’ve seen or heard of predatory wildlife in the area, do not leave indoor pets outside without supervision, especially small pets. Consider keeping cats indoors, especially at night. Keep dogs on leashes when you go out at night. Do not leave pet food outside; outdoor feeding of pets can attract many wild animals to the area. Backyard animals and livestock should be secured in covered kennels or covered fenced in areas at night. Make sure pets are appropriately vaccinated and up to date with vaccines. Exercise extra caution with pets during coyote mating season (peaking in mid-February) as they could be more aggressive during this time.
Fencing: Coyotes can jump over or dig under fences that are improperly built. Fencing should be at least 6 feet high and extend into the ground. Install PVC pipe that is free to spin around a tight wire at the top of the fence or have an outward overhang of fence wire to make it more difficult for coyotes to grip and get over the fence.
Rabid Animals: You cannot tell if an animal has rabies by just looking at it. Rabid animals may act strangely after the virus affects their brains, or they may seem just fine. Rabid animals may aggressively attack people or other animals.
If you suspect a wild animal has rabies or behaves oddly, do not interfere. Immediately call Bedford Animal Control (781)-275-1212 and they will make all attempts to capture the animal. Once the wild animal is caught, the Bedford Board of Health can send the wild animal to be tested for rabies.
If you are scratched or bitten by a wild animal call your health care provider for further information.
WILD ANIMAL KILLS
If you find an animal carcass on your private property, it is recommended that you contact a trained professional such as a licensed pest control company to safely remove and dispose of the animal. This is the safest way to avoid contracting any potential diseases.
For additional information regarding coyotes or other wildlife go to www.mass.gov /masswildlife. If you have safety concerns or questions, contact the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at (508) 389-6300 or [email protected].
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