Frederick Ryan, Chief of Police
112 Mystic St.
Arlington, MA 02474
For Immediate Release
Friday, Sept. 30, 2016
Contact: Captain Richard Flynn, PIO
Office: 781-316-3907
Cell: 781-844-1224
Email: rflynn@town.arlington.ma.us
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Arlington Police Warn Residents About Coyotes Following Attack on Dog
ARLINGTON — After a coyote attack this morning, which resulted in the loss of one family’s dog, Chief Frederick Ryan and the Arlington Police Department, along with the Animal Control Officer Kathryn Kozikowski, would like to remind the community to be vigilant with their pets while outdoors.
Around 7 a.m., police received a report that a coyote had attacked and killed a resident’s West Highland Terrier while the dog was in the backyard. The resident’s property abuts the Menotomy Rocks Park, a wooded area where coyotes have been known to reside.
Additionally, Animal Control Officer Kozikowski reports that, given last year’s mild winter, there has been an influx in some wildlife, which has created a greater supply of food for the coyotes and could be the reason residents have seen them in the more populated areas of town. While coyotes are crepuscular, meaning they generally hunt during low light hours (sunrise and sunset), it is not unnatural to see them during daylight hours.
“There will always be coyotes in Arlington,” Animal Control Officer Kozikowski said. “The best ways that we can prevent further interactions with coyotes is to make our homes less of an attraction for them.”
To prevent coyote attacks, Arlington Police and Animal Control Officer Kozikowski advise residents to follow safety tips from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife:
- Do not approach, feed, pet, or try to interact with wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, or other wild animals.
- It is always a good idea to leash pets at all times if outdoors. Small cats and dogs are seen as prey and larger dogs, competition.
- Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten coyotes with loud noises, bright lights, or water sprayed from a hose.
- Cut back brushy edges, as these areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey.
- Secure your garbage. Coyotes raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and keep them in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash when the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost in secure, vented containers, and keep barbecue grills clean to reduce attractive odors.
- Keep bird feeder areas clean. Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts many small mammals coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard.
“This was an extremely unfortunate incident where a family lost their beloved pet,” Chief Ryan said. “While residents should not live in fear of coyotes, we do advise that those with small children and animals be vigilant while outdoors, and follow these safety tips to help prevent interactions with the animal.”
Please report any coyote sightings to Arlington Animal Control by calling 781-645-8014.
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