A Coyote Conversation Continued

As a public advisory, the Town of Saugus offers tips to avoid unwanted encounters with coyotes

  (Editor’s Note: The Town of Saugus issued the following press release this week to follow up on an educational forum at the Saugus Public Library last month, “Achieving Coexistence With Coyotes.”)

Saugus Town Manager Scott Crabtree and the Saugus Animal Control Department are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets given an uptick in coyote activity in town. In recent weeks, the town has received multiple reports of confrontations involving coyotes and small dogs, as well as unwanted interactions between coyotes and residents.

Residents are encouraged to be extra vigilant of their surroundings as coyotes seek out food sources to bulk up in advance of winter.

Dan Proulx, a Massachusetts problem animal control agent who gave a presentation titled “Achieving Coexistence with Coyotes” last month at the Saugus Public Library, advised that residents follow these tips to protect pets from unwanted coyote encounters:

• Take away outdoor feeding sources around property. No outside feeding of pets, including water. Secure trash bins and take down any bird feeders.
• Always check your property for coyotes before taking your dog outside.
• Make lots of noise as a coyote deterrent.
• Never let your dog out by itself, especially during early morning and in the evening.
• Never let your dog outside by itself even in a fenced-in yard, as coyotes are capable of jumping fences up to 8 feet high.
• When walking dogs keep them on a short leash and by your side.
• Coyotes are opportunistic predators that usually go after smaller animals. Be more vigilant if you own a small dog.
• If you see a coyote haze (scare) the animal. Hazing can mean standing tall, waving your arms and stomping your feet.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife suggests these measures to reduce the likelihood of a coyote attack on pets such as dogs and cats:

• It is your presence next to your pet that prevents an attack. Do not supervise your pets from a distance. Outdoor pets should be on a leash at all times.
• Keep cats indoors. If a cat is outdoors, they should be on a leash or directly supervised while in a secure enclosure.
• Keep dogs leashed and directly supervised whenever they are outside, especially early in the morning and at night.
• Installing 6-foot-high fencing with the bottom extending 1 foot underground provides the best protection for pets. If you have an existing fence, add a fence skirt that extends underground to prevent digging or roll bars to the top of the fence to prevent climbing.
• Visually scan your yard for wildlife before letting your dog outside.
• Illuminate your yard when your dog is outside when it’s dark.
• Remove all possible food sources that could attract wildlife to your property, including bird feeders, unsecured trash, pet food, and open compost.
• A bite from wildlife has the potential to spread disease, like rabies. Pets should be evaluated by a veterinarian if they are attacked by wildlife.

It’s not unusual to be observed by a coyote when you are walking your dog. The coyote may be patrolling their territory and watching to ensure you leave their space. If you are followed or approached by a coyote while outdoors with your pet:

• Do not run or turn your back.
• If possible, get your pet safely inside. Return outside immediately to haze the coyote.
• Haze the coyote by shouting at the animal, waving your arms, swinging a walking stick, or throwing small objects in their direction.
• Consider carrying a pocket-sized air horn or citronella spray if you seek additional protection when walking your pet.

Residents with concerns or questions about coyotes should call Saugus Animal Control Officer Darren McCullough at 781-521-3911 or at 781-231-4176.