Keep A Keen Eye Out For Coyotes On The North Shore

BEVERLY, MA — The onset of coyote breeding season means North Shore residents are even more likely to come across the increasing populations of the wild canines.

Beverly Animal Control issued an advisory to residents that during the breeding season coyotes are not nocturnal animals and are more likely to be encountered during the day as pairs vocalize to claim territory and partners.

"In the winter, coyote parents must work extra hard to feed themselves and their pups," Beverly Animal Control said. "This means you will see them roaming around more frequently. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will feed on whatever is most rapidly available and easiest to obtain."

While it is possible for humans and coyotes to easily co-exist safely throughout the year, there are some particular precautions residents can take to make things more copacetic during the next few weeks.

• Keep your pets under supervision, dogs on a leash & cats inside.

• Feed pets inside to avoid attracting wildlife.
• Secure your garbage.
• Keep coyotes wild….please don’t feed them directly or indirectly.

Coyotes are naturally afraid of people and do not like loud noises. Residents are advised to bring whistles or other noisemakers on walks in areas where coyotes are frequently seen. If a coyote approaches, do not run from it, but calmly leave the area.

Residents are reminded never to try to "tame" a coyote.

Those with questions in Beverly are asked to call the Animal Control Department 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. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)