Coyotes have been a recent news topic as humans have had encounters with coyotes while out enjoying nature as well as directly in their neighborhoods. Coyotes remain active year-round and do not hibernate. Coyotes can be active night or day, and sightings at dawn or dusk are common. As with all types of wildlife, human interaction should always be limited as much as possible. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and know what to do if you come in contact with a wild animal. 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. This information was provided in part by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Tips if you encounter a Coyote: If you encounter a coyote act “large and loud”. Never run away, if you run from any animal it will instinctively follow you. Stand tall, wave your arms, and yell loudly at the coyote. If you are wearing a jacket, make yourself look bigger by putting your arms over your head or opening your jacket. Continue this until the coyote is no longer in the area. If planning to walk in the woods, bring a noisemaker with you. A “shaker” can easily be made with a can full of marbles or pennies. Always have small pets on leashes when outdoors. If walking a small pet when an encounter occurs, pick up the small pet. Avoid areas known to have coyote activity if planning an outside event. Stick to trails and open paths with a higher level of human activity.
Reminders for Deterring Coyotes: 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. Ensure garbage is secured in tough plastic containers with right fitting lids, and keep them in secure buildings when possible, until trash pick-up day. 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. Do not leave small pets outside unattended, even in fenced-in areas, as coyotes can jump most fences. Consider keeping cats indoors, especially at night. Backyard animals and livestock should be secured in covered kennels or covered fenced-in areas at night. Only walk pets during daylight hours.
Explain to Children: Talk to children about wildlife and their safety. Never go near or try to feed wild animals or any animal that you do not know. Talk loudly, so the coyote knows you are there. Don’t run, but slowly back away, toward a building or house. Make yourself look bigger by putting your arms over your head or opening your jacket. Remind children to always find and tell an adult when wildlife is encountered.
Rabid Animals: Rabies is a serious viral disease that can be spread through the saliva of an infected animal by a bite, scratch or if the saliva gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth. Rabies is 100% preventable if an exposed person is treated early. However, it is fatal if treatment is not initiated in a timely manner. 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 submit the wild animal to be tested for rabies if there was a potential exposure. If you are scratched or bitten by a wild animal call your health care provider for further information.
Keep Wildlife Wild: Always enjoy wildlife from a distance, do not keep wild animals as pets. This is against the law in Massachusetts.
Share these coyote tips and facts with your neighbors. Together you can make your residential area less inviting to potentially dangerous wild animals.
For additional information regarding coyotes or other wildlife, visit www.mass.gov/masswildlife
If you have safety concerns or questions, contact the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at (508) 389-6300 or email [email protected].
If you decide a situation requires an immediate response
Contact Bedford Animal Control (781)-275-1212, or the Massachusetts Environmental Police (800) 632-8075.
Loading ...
