In Cohasset, Massachusetts, officials are reaching out to the community and warning pet owners to be very careful after several coyote attacked dogs and one man. According to the Cohasset Police Department, one dog was killed and a man hospitalized in two separate coyote attacks.
The attacks occurred on August 27 after officers responded to a home on Highland Avenue concerning seven coyotes and two dogs. Both dogs had been off-leash when they were approached by the coyotes. One dog had to be euthanized because of his extensive injuries during the confrontation.
And later that same morning, a man and his two off-leash dogs were also attacked on a trail in the Whitney Thayer Woods. The man had to be hospitalized, but has since been released.
In a video released by the police department, information regarding coyotes has been released including a warning during the late summer, the animals are much more active in preparation for the winter.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife have released the following information to help humans and their pets to remain safe from coyotes.
- Never leave food out for coyotes. We want them to remain wild and stay away from humans.
- Keep all food sources secure. Foods such as snacks, pet food, birdseed and trash can attract coyotes. Keep dumpsters and trash cans tightly closed and secured. Don’t leave pet food outside.
- Spend time outdoors. Coyotes are naturally afraid of humans and tend to stay away from areas where people are present.
- Protect your pets from coyotes – especially cats and small dogs. Keep your pets leashed. Keep cats indoors.
- If you encounter a coyote, try to scare it away by “hazing.” Stand up to the animal, make eye contacts and advance towards the animal while hazing until it backs away. Keep your space appropriately far enough away. Act as though the coyote in in danger while maintaining eye contact. Make loud noises, lights and exaggerated movements.
- Coyotes routinely stick to one area. Report the sightings.
- If an animal seems sick or injured, do not try to haze it.
- Hazing should be avoided between March and July or if the coyote is a comfortable distance away from you.
You can watch the video for more information about steering clear and safely from coyotes.
