An increase in “coyote activity” concern residents in the area

Seeing coyotes in Shrewsbury is expected; we live in a quasi-urban-rural area and is summer. However, should this wild animal be a worry to residents? Perhaps not much for a grown adult, but if you have small pets or children, there are some risks regarding the coyotes.

On June 12th, 2018, a Shrewsbury family lost a five-pound Maltese dog to a coyote in their own backyard. The resident was around 5 ft away from the dog, standing outside with the light on, around 10:30 p.m. “when the coyote grabbed her and ended her life.”

In March this year, a resident and her 85 pound Shephard dog were surrounded -in their backyard and at night- by four coyotes in the town of Southborough, according to a police statement.

Also this year, an Animal Control Officer in the town of Westborough released a “coyote advisory” after “seeing increased out reports of Coyote activity.”

In Shrewsbury, there are plenty of reports documented during the current year. Just this past Monday, June 22nd, a resident posted in a private Facebook group a video showing a coyote prowling on his backyard near Saint John School (an area where a coyote pack caused worries in 2018). In March, a residential community around the Hartford Turnpike in Shrewsbury contacted the town’s Animal Control office after a few residents spotted a “coywolf.”

Eastern Coyotes have been well established all over the Commonwealth. They thrive in urban areas and will utilize whatever food source is available. Knowing their habits and behaviors can greatly decrease the likelihood of conflict with these animals, according to Mass Fisheries and Wildlife.

To protect animals and small children from future coyote attacks, residents should remain alert and exercise caution in the evenings. The following guidelines are recommended by the agency to make a property “less attractive” to coyotes:

• Never feed coyotes (or any other wild animals)
• Secure any garbage on your property
• Keep bird feeders off the ground, secure, and their areas clean
• Protect produce and livestock
• Feed pets indoors
• Eliminate shelter areas for coyotes
• Protect pets by keeping them leashed, under your supervision, and indoors

If residents have any questions regarding Animal Control procedures, they are encouraged to visit Shrewsbury’s town webpage, linked down below: https://shrewsburyma.gov/466/Animal-Control