Coyote Attacks Teen On Cape Cod Beach

CHATHAM, MA — A coyote attacked a 16-year-old at a Cape Cod beach Monday, according to Chatham police.

Police said the attack happened around 8 p.m., at Harding's Beach, while the teen and a friend were eating off a picnic blanket.

Police said the coyote came up to the teen and bit their ankle. The two of them ran away, then the coyote grabbed their food and went into the dunes, police said. The incident was reported to police Tuesday.

Police alerted Massachusetts Fish and Game, Massachusetts Environmental Police and the Chatham Board of Health about the attack. These departments will follow up with methods to address the issue, police said.

Town officials said they will place coyote-specific advisory signage in the area of Harding’s Beach. Chatham police said they are going to make sure beachgoers aren't feeding the coyotes.

Police reminded the public not to feed coyotes and to keep themselves and their pets distant from these animals. To report aggressive coyote sighting, call Chatham police at 508-945-1213, or Chatham Animal Control at 508-945-5111.