The Police Department issued a series of safety reminders to residents following a spike in coyote sightings throughout the city amid the animal’s mating season.
In particular, the department said there had been increased sightings in the area of Emerson Park, James Street, and the Higgins Middle School. Coyote mating season begins at the end of January and runs through early March, with the animals becoming more active during that time.
The department shared advice from Mass Wildlife on how to approach interactions with coyotes, and how to keep them away from your neighborhood. Specifically, residents were encouraged not to feed or try to pet coyotes, secure their garbage, keep bird feeder areas clean, close off crawl spaces, cut back brushy edges, and keep pets indoors.
Naturally, coyotes are afraid of people, but those that spend a lot of time around humans may become habituated and begin “exhibiting bold behavior,” MassWildlife said.
“Never intentionally provide food for coyotes to attract them to your property,” officials said, noting that feeding coyotes can habituate them and spark bolder behaviors.
Residents were also encouraged to keep pets on a leash at all times while outdoors, as coyotes may see small dogs or cats as prey, or larger dogs as competition.
Feeding pets indoors can also decrease the potential of attracting wildlife.
“It’s your presence next to your pet that prevents an attack,” officials said.
To prevent habituation, residents were encouraged to actively haze coyotes — moving toward the animals while waving their arms or clapping, making loud noises by yelling, using an airhorn or whistle, spraying a hose, or throwing small objects like tennis balls in the direction of the coyote.
“Repeated hazing helps teach coyotes to avoid people and that they are not welcome in your neighborhood,” officials said. “Similar to one coyote chasing another out of their territory, you are defining and defending your territory.”
By closing off crawl spaces and cutting back brushy edges, residents can eliminate shelter for the animals.
