Coyote Spotted In Brookline: Here's What To Do

BROOKLINE, MA — Pet owners in Brookline – especially those with outdoor animals – take heed. According to one resident, a coyote was spotted in town Tuesday and this weekend.

One resident sent the photo to the Patch noting she saw it in Cottage Farm neighborhood. Abby Elmore‏ who lives in Cottage Farm said she took the photo of the canine at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday in her back yard.

The Eastern Coyote typically weighs between 35 and 40 pounds and can look gray, to a grayish tan, a reddish blonde to a charcoal black. They are often described as looking similar to a poorly fed German shepherd but coyotes usually carry their tails low to the ground whereas a German shepherd carries its tail high.

This isn't the first time coyotes have wandered into Brookline both last April and the year before there were reports of coyotes in town.

But they're really not considered to be dangerous to humans. They are known to be shy and also scavengers and are often found in suburban areas where they will eat anything from small rodents, trash, pet food. Because they prey on small animals, they tend to keep the number of rodents and woodchucks down, help keeping the ecosystem in check.

For anyone who happens to come across a coyote in their back yard or on a walk, the Humane Society has tips to keep it away from you. One approach is to “stand tall, wave your arms, and yell at the coyote, approaching them if necessary, until they run away,”according to the post.

You can also try making noise or throwing a rock or a ball or something at the animal.

Still, now would also be a good time to bring your pets indoors. Not long ago a coyote was spotted in Newton with what appeared to be a domestic cat hanging out of its mouth. >> Coyote Spotted With Cat In Mouth In Newton: Here's What To Do

Keeping Coyotes Away From Your House, Tips from MassWildlife

• Secure your garbage in barrels with tight fitting lids
• Do not feed or pet them
• Keep your pets secure, particularly small pets that are a potential food source.
• Keep bird feeder areas clean as the seeds attract small animals on which they prey
• Feed your pets indoors
• Close off crawl spaces under porches and shed which can serve as resting areas
• Don’t let them intimidate you and don’t hesitate to scare or threaten them off with loud noises, bright lights, throwing a tennis ball or spraying with a garden hose
• Protect livestock and remove fallen produce

Are Coyotes a Threat?

Coyotes are not considered a threat to humans because they are shy creatures. Though they may be a threat to small pets, they only time coyotes have been known to attempt to attack a human has been when they were rabid and that, only a handful of times in the past few decades.

Signs a coyote may have rabies?

The animal’s behavior will include, but is not limited to, convulsions, swaying or weakness, paralyzed limbs, rigid posture, disoriented appearance or a transfixed stare, drooling of saliva or frothing at the mouth, repeated yawning, extreme tense or alert behavior, awkward or uncoordinated movements, or hoarse vocalizations.

What to do if you spot a coyote:

It is against state law to capture and move coyotes simply because of their presence. This law has been in affect for many years and is meant to protect both people and the animals.

Call the Brookline Police Dispatch Center (617-730-2222) to report a coyote sighting or threat.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police can also be reached 24 hours a day at: 800-632-8075.

Previously on Patch:

Coyote Spotted With Cat In Mouth In Newton: Here's What To Do

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Photo at top courtesy Abby Elmore‏