Marion businesses will soon be issued a Marion Board of Health order to keep a lid on their dumpsters and keep those lids tightly closed after a string of incidents of coyotes breaking into commercial trash receptacles.
“There is a very bad problem with coyotes,” said Health Director Karen Walega on November 10. “There is a huge problem right now in Marion.”
Walega cited a recent incident at Cumberland Farms on Route 6 where coyotes managed to access trash in a dumpster left uncovered.
“I see them everywhere,” said Board of Health member John Howard. In an aside, he added, “And you can’t shoot them, can you, unless you’re very clever…. Apparently, it’s illegal unless they don’t see it.” The board, in its ensuing discussion, made it clear that shooting coyotes is a crime.
Residents will also be made aware of the increasing reports of coyotes getting into trash barrels in the form of a public announcement of some sort issued by the Board of Health Office.
Meanwhile, Board of Health member Albin Johnson strongly urged residents to be aware of their trash.
“You can’t leave your trash unprotected,” said Walega. However, it seems as though coyotes are sort of taking over, as Howard put it.
“I always tell people that have cats [to] keep them indoors,” said Walega. “That’s going to be a prime target. They love cat.”
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for November 24 at 4:30 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Jean Perry
