Beverly Coyote Warning As Sightings Increase Amid Breeding Season

BEVERLY, MA —It's breeding season for coyotes and that has helped contribute to an increase in
interactions between coyotes and domestic animals, according to Beverly Animal Control.

Beverly Animal Control said it is reminding residents "to always be attentive to your pets when they are allowed outside, both on your property and off."

Coyote mating season runs from January through early March.

"Coyotes become more active during this time so it's especially important to take precautions to avoid conflicts," Beverly Animal Control said. "They will also be a bit more territorial during this time. The main concern here being your pets. Large dogs especially are extra threatening to coyotes during this time and small animals such as small dogs and cats can be viewed as prey for
coyotes."

Beverly Animal Control notes that the city has a leash law so keeping pets under control outside of the home should be routine anyway, but added: "When letting your pets outside, even just in your own yard, do not leave them unattended and alone for any length of time."

Residents who observe coyote behavior that they believe to be concerning should contact Beverly Animal Control at 978-605-2361.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)