Coyote Encounters On The Rise In Salem: Police

SALEM, MA — Coyote activity is once again on the rise in Salem with police saying they have received several recent reports of the wild canines approaching people while they are walking their dogs.

Salem police said the increased sightings have been occurring throughout the North Shore, and in the Witch City centered around the South Salem/Pickman Park area.

"In some cases, it has been reported that coyotes appear comfortable around people," police said.

(Also on Patch: What You Should Know As North Shore Coyote Pup Season Begins)

Residents are advised to take steps to limit coyote activity in residential neighborhoods, make them less apt to view people or homes as a potential food source and reinforce their instinctive fear of humans.

Remove sources of food and water, especially at night. This includes pet bowls, fallen fruit from trees, and water in bird baths. Secure garbage can lids or store them indoors, and ensure outdoor enclosures for rabbits, poultry and birds, are well-secured.

Residents are also urged not to leave dogs and cats unattended outside, especially at night.

Those who spot a coyote should not approach it, and instead make loud noises or shout in an authoritative voice.

If confronted by a coyote, residents should pick up and hold children or accompanying pets, make loud noises and calmly back away while facing the coyote at all times.

More information on coyote encroachment into urban areas and how to best coexist with them can be found here.

(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.)