Police warn residents to beware of coyotes

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July 9, 2009

By Bethany Bray

Andover police have issued a warning to pet owners after two dogs have been attacked by coyotes in town in the last two weeks. In both cases, the dogs were carried away by the coyote.

Pet owners are urged to keep pet food enclosed indoors, feed their pets indoors and not allow their pets to roam freely outdoors. Contact animal control at 978-475-0411 with questions or concerns.

Dr. Hamilton Lincoln, a veterinarian at the Andover Animal Hospital, says he has seen a rise in coyote attacks on pets in the past four or five years.

"To some degree, coyotes are becoming a little bit bolder. A lot of the animals we see that are torn up we don't know exactly what attacked them," said Lincoln. "I tell pet owners to be aware that coyotes are out there, and cats and smaller dogs are at risk if they're going to be outdoors unattended. Coyotes do find ways in even within fenced in yards. Make sure your pet is up to date with its rabies vaccinations too, just in case they are bitten."

COYOTE FACTS

Eastern Coyotes, very adaptable wild members of the dog family, are common in Northern Massachusetts and throughout New England.

A coyote is larger than a red fox and smaller than a gray wolf. To tell the difference between a coyote and a wolf, note that a coyote carries its tail below the level of its back when it runs, whereas a wolf will hold its tail up while running. Adult male coyote: 44-52" (including 14" tail), 25-42 pounds.

If you see a coyote that is acting strangely, including acting restless or agitated, making choking motions, or drooling excessively, call Andover Police Animal Control at 978-475-0411.

For further information, see http://easterncoyoteresearch.com\LivingWithCoyotes.html

Coyotes inhabit woodland edges, and other areas that provide cover. Dens have even been found in cultivated fields where coyotes keep rodent populations in check.

The coyote's diet is widely varied. As scavengers, coyotes eat dead animals, fruits, berries, and corn. They will also raid your garbage and eat pet food left outdoors. As predators, they stalk mice, other rodents, and small mammals - including those that are attracted to the seed in your bird feeders, and your pet cat. Coyotes may view your dog as a threat to their territory and food base, and may attack it as well.

Coyotes hunt most actively at night. They emerge from their dens in the early evening to begin their hunt for food and return in the early morning. Because coyotes are opportunists, be sure to accompany your pet when you let it out first thing in the morning. In a "safe" area, coyotes may be seen hunting for food during the day.

To prevent problems and keep your pets safe, DO:

Respect coyotes as wild animals - they will lose their instinct to be wary of people if they begin to associate food with a human presence.

If you see a coyote, talk loudly to warn/scare it off.

Feed your pet indoors - or if you do feed your pet outdoors, promptly remove the food dish after the feeding.

Remove your bird feeders and outdoor pet food containers - coyotes will prey upon the small mammals that are attracted to them.

Store pet food indoors.

Put trash in barrels with tightly fitting lids.

Accompany your pet outside and speak loudly to warn/scare off coyotes. Be extra watchful between dusk and dawn. Also be especially cautious when you let your pet out first thing in the morning.

Provide secure shelters for outside pets such as poultry and rabbits.

DO NOT

Feed coyotes

Provide food and water for other wildlife - coyotes will prey upon them in your yard.

Let your pet run free outside - coyotes may view cats as prey, and dogs as a threat to their food base.SClB

Source: Andover Police Department