Open Letter to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll

Greetings Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.

Doubtless you are aware of the situation in Nahant that will give the town the dubious distinction of being first in our progressive Commonwealth to indiscriminately kill coyotes. (This is not regulated hunting). Media coverage has been national. I am part of a small team of people, who are morally supported by the likes of Coyote Watch Canada, In Defense of Animals, and Project Coyote, that has been working for the past month in opposition to Nahant's plan.

The plan was recommended by Mass Wildlife's David Wattles, who declared a public safety threat based on scant evidence and plenty of exaggerated anecdotes. No humans have been physically harmed and, at most, three companion animals have been affected in the past year. Mr. Wattles has authorized federal agents to come to Nahant, bait the family, and shoot whichever coyotes are present. Please keep in mind that they may be killing a pregnant female and/or her lifelong mate who would help tend to pups that are expected to be born in March. Also, as is typical, half of the coyote family has moved elsewhere, leaving perhaps four in Nahant currently.

The town has done little to truly educate its residents about coyote behaviors or how to live safely in the area with each other. People have become fearful and angry as a result, so many see a killing as the only option, despite the availability of proven, non-lethal methods.

The town has not made an effort to uncover potential food sources, map hot spots of coyote sightings, train its law enforcement to fully investigate sightings and conflicts, or educate its populous by demonstrating methods of aversion conditioning. Education is limited to words on the town website and the offer of a whistle. The residents feel a lack of support from their local government.

I ask you to look further into this situation, as Mass Wildlife is under your auspices. Many of your constituents fear that the Nahant killing will set a horrific and completely needless precedent in the state.

Thank you.

Deb Newman, Swampscott MA