1Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife information and education biologist Marion Larson said that since the 1950s, when Eastern coyotes began appearing in Massachusetts backyards, there have been only three reported attacks on people. In two of the cases, the coyotes were rabid, while the third animal was likely raised by a person. The last attack was reported in 2004.
"The numbers speak for themselves," Larson said.
The frequency of coyote attacks on humans is but one of the many misconceptions that tend to stick with coyotes, at least in the minds of an unknowing public, Larson added.
Coyotes have been on the minds of many who live on Plum Island, after an Annapolis Way couple, Paul and Laura Daubitz, last week reported their cat possibly had been attacked and killed by one. In the days that followed, additional residents have reported seeing them, including one person who took a photo of two racing across the marsh area of Plum Island. The Newbury Police Department's animal control officer has been investigating the sightings, as well.
Eastern coyotes resemble a medium-sized dog in size and shape, but have denser fur and pointy ears. Females typically weigh between 33 and 40 pounds, while males range between 34 and 47 pounds. They typically stick around an area of 6 to 10 miles and can make a wide range of sounds that mask their numbers.
Part of the reason coyotes tend to stick close to humans is the availability of food. Coyotes aren't adverse to eating bird seed or suet and will often rummage through garbage cans. Larson said getting rid of bird feeders and making sure garbage is placed outside in animal-secure containers the morning of scheduled trash pickup, are good ways of keeping coyotes away.
"You've got an all-you-can-eat buffet for coyotes," Larson said.
Of course, coyotes will also dine on pets if possible, so her advice is to keep cats and other small animals inside. If you let a pet outside, stay outside with it.
"The coyote realizes a person is out there," Larson said. "Coyotes are generally afraid of people and avoid them."
Following that logic, people can easily scare coyotes off if they see them. Larson said that by banging on pans, yelling like a banshee, throwing things at them and squirting them with water will often do the trick.
"This is all coyote language that says, 'This is my territory, stay away from it,'" Larson said.
Larson said another popular misconception is that humans have encroached on the coyote's natural habitat, when it's really the other way around. Eastern coyotes living in Massachusetts used to stay in mostly rural areas in the central part of the state. But as people moved away from the coastline and into the suburbs, the coyotes realized they wouldn't have to work as hard for food, so much like skunks, raccoons and foxes, they began sticking around, Larson said.
"They're getting used to living with us: food, complacency, a nice place to hang out. People are nervous, but the good news is that they're (coyotes) wild animals, and they're afraid of people," Larson said.
Larson said officials looking to trap coyotes and relocate them should think twice. Not only is it against the law to live-trap animals and move them, but it's also just transferring the problem to another community, she said. Also, coyotes don't tend to do well if moved, as they have difficulty adapting to new surroundings and are often harassed and stressed to death.
More than eight days after last seeing their cat, Sammie, Laura and Paul Daubitz said they are still looking for her. The Daubitzes said they recently received a small bit of hopeful news when a Northern Boulevard resident called them saying she had seen a cat that looked like Sammie while she was jogging.
"I haven't given up," Laura Daubitz said.
For more information on living with coyotes, visit the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife's website at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/wildlife_home.htm
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