Framingham Police Issue Coyote Warning

Framingham Police issued a warning to North Framingham residents about a pack of coyotes, on Thursday evening via a reverse 9-1-1 call.

There were several reports of a German Shepherd dog killed on the aqueduct between Bradford and Potter roads in Framingham.

This is not the first report of coyotes in Framingham. There were multiple reports of coyotes in Framingham in 2014. And in 2013, there were several reports of a Coyote with its pups near Brophy Elementary.

The eastern coyote, found in Massachusetts, resembles a medium-sized dog in body size and shape, but has longer, denser fur and pointed, erect ears. The tail is long, black-tipped, and bushy. Typical coat color is a grizzled gray but can vary from creamy blonde to red or nearly solid black, according to the Commonwealth.

Coyotes eat many different foods, including small animals, fruits, vegetables, garbage, and pet food.

Most of the reason, we see coyotes is because they are looking for food, according to the government.

The following tips from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife offer what to do when you see a coyote or how to prevent them from your neighborhood:

Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten coyotes with loud noises and bright lights. Don’t hesitate to pick up small objects, such as a tennis ball, and throw them at the coyote. If a water hose is close at hand, spray the coyote with water in the face. Let the coyote know it is unwelcome in your area.

Coyotes eat many different foods, including small animals, fruits, vegetables, garbage, and pet food. Remember everything a coyote does is related to a potential meal.

Keep your pets safe: Although free roaming pets are more likely to be killed by automobiles than by wild animals, coyotes do view cats and small dogs as potential food and larger dogs as competition. For the safety of your pets, keep them restrained at all times.

Feed pets indoors: Outdoor feeding attracts many wild animals to your door.

Secure garbage: Coyotes will raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost piles in containers designed to contain but vent the material.

Don’t feed or try to pet coyotes: Keep wild things wild. Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause coyotes to act tame and over time may lead to bold behavior. Coyotes that rely on natural food items remain wild and wary of humans.

Keep bird feeding areas clean: Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground as the seed attracts many small mammals that coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard.

Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds: Coyotes use such areas for resting and raising young.

Cut back brushy edges in your yard: These areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey.

Protect livestock and produce: Coyotes will prey upon livestock. Techniques, such as fencing, will protect livestock from predation. Clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees.

Educate your neighbors: Pass this information along since your efforts will be futile if neighbors are providing food or shelter for coyotes.

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Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and National Park Service NH.

Editor’s Note: Originally published on Jan. 22. Updated for Friday’s Patch newsletter.