ARLINGTON — Chief Julie Flaherty shares that the Arlington Police Department, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Massachusetts Environmental Police, responded to a report of a coyote in a residential area.
On Friday, June 3, at about 11 a.m., Arlington Police received a report of a coyote in the area of Crosby Street. Arlington Police Department contacted their state law enforcement partners to assist.
Upon initial investigation it was determined that the coyote was the same one that had been sighted in the neighborhood several times in the past month, including in the area of the Bishop School playground.
After consulting with their law enforcement partners, Arlington Police made the decision to put the coyote down. This was done successfully at about 11:45 a.m., before the Bishop School noon recess.
In September 2021, three children were bitten by coyotes in separate incidents, all within a mile of the most recent sighting.
“It is clear that this coyote had been repeatedly fed by a resident in the area, and therefore had lost all fear of humans,” Chief Flaherty said. “While it is unfortunate to have to take this step, it is important that we protect our residents from wild animal attacks given the recent history and number of sightings in the past few weeks.”
Coyotes that have become dependent on human-associated foods can become habituated and exhibit bold behavior toward people. Relocation has been found to rarely be effective for any habituated species, and particularly coyotes.
“A habituated coyote may not run off when harassed or chased, may approach pets on a leash, and may approach or follow people,” said Dave Wattles, Black Bear & Furbearer Project Leader with the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. “It is extremely important for the public to understand the role they play in preventing negative encounters with coyotes. Intentional feeding of coyotes unquestionably increases the likelihood of a coyote biting someone. Never intentionally feed coyotes or other wildlife.”
Individuals and communities can prevent conflicts with coyotes by following these tips:
- Secure garbage and compost. Place your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep them in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash in the morning before pick-up is scheduled, not the previous night.
- Keep bird feeder areas clean. If you choose to use bird feeders, use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground and clean spilled seed daily, as bird seed attracts many small mammals coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard.
- Eliminate shelter. Close off crawl spaces, as coyotes may use areas under porches and sheds for resting and raising young. Keep brushy edges in your yard trimmed, as these areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey.
- Protect your pets. Feed your pets indoors, as outdoor feeding can attract many wild animals, including coyotes. For the safety of your pets, keep them leashed and under your supervision at all times.
- Scare coyotes away. Haze coyotes by making loud noises, physically chasing coyotes out of the yard, throwing small objects, and spraying them with water from a hose. These actions can increase a coyote’s fear of people.
Learn more about coyotes in Massachusetts by visiting: www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-coyotes