Coyote Concerns

Coyotes have recently been spotted in some of the less-rural parts of Tri-Town – too close for comfort for some residents – prompting a rise in coyote-related calls to local law enforcement.

A Marion Police press release states that numerous sightings and encounters with coyotes have been reported in Marion Center and on Converse Road, with one sighting in Marion Center on Taber Academy grounds on the morning of January 10.

Animal Control Officer for the Towns of Mattapoisett and Rochester, Kathleen Massey, confirmed during a January 21 phone interview that yes, the very same coyote has been spotted in Mattapoisett as well, but coyotes are regular inhabitants of the area and there is nothing to be alarmed about.

Massey said she saw the photos taken recently in Marion, and identified the coyote as the same male that has been spotted in areas of Mattapoisett, as well.

“He visits us often,” said Massey, adding that a coyote pack’s hunting territory is about 30 square-miles. “He’s been as far as Pease’s Point, Shipyard Park, and Ned’s Point … This guy’s just making a big loop.”

He is not bothering anybody, says Massey; he is just walking through town. She said the same alpha male has been spotted during the day (yes, coyotes come out during the day) by people walking their dogs and the coyote did not approach. Coyotes are, as Massey put it, “more afraid of you than you are of them.”

It is when little doggies are left alone that the big bad coyote comes-a-calling. “A little doggie … that’s a snack for them,” said Massey.

According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, coyotes live in every town in Massachusetts. They are about the size of a medium-sized dog, only their fur is longer and thicker. They have a long, black-tipped, bushy tail that is usually pointed downward.

They feed on rodents and berries, snakes and birds, but they will also eat garbage and pet food left outside.

Coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare.

What should you do if you spot a coyote? Marion Police recommends going indoors if a coyote approaches you. You can scare off a coyote by making a loud noise, throwing a tennis ball, or shooting water from the hose.

Because Tri-Town is a predominantly rural area, do not leave pets outside unattended. Other wild animals also pose a risk to domestic animals.

Coyotes are eternally on the hunt for food, so keep your pets indoors, secure your trash barrels, and keep bird feeding areas clean, which can attract coyotes.

“They love bird seed,” said Massey, “So if you don’t want [coyotes] in your back yard, get rid of your bird feeders.”

Do not try to get rid of the animal on your own, either by physically or lethally removing it. Trapping is also illegal. If the animal is causing damage or if there is a threat to human harm, especially if the animal is exhibiting signs of aggressiveness, call the police.

By Jean Perry

Coyote

This Coyote was seen on Moorings Road in Marion. Photo by Steve Chicco.

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