Coyote Tensions Rise After Pack Surrounds Swampscott Dog Walker

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — This time these coyotes were no lone wolves.

Swampscott police said a resident on Rockyledge Road was surrounded by a group of at least nine coyotes during an evening dog walk at about 9:30 on Saturday and called them from within the circle requesting help because the canines "were not backing down."

Police said they were able to scatter the coyotes with the arrival of cruisers and strobe lights.

Police were then able to escort the resident and the pet back to their home.

"Please be aware of your surroundings when walking during evening hours as this is the time coyotes are most active," Swampscott police said.

Police issued a series of tips to residents on coyote "hazing" — making loud noises through yelling, noisemakers, horns, banging pots and pans etc. — that will often feed into a coyote's fear of humans, make them disperse and, ideally, prevent them from coming back to a known area of discomfort.

"The simplest method of hazing a coyote involves being loud and large," the Massachusetts Humane Society said.

Residents are reminded never to run away from a coyote.

If a coyote does not respond to the hazing, it is recommended to walk toward the coyote and increase the intensity of the disruption, then continue the noise until the coyote has completely left the area.

Residents are reminded to remove any outdoor food sources that could attract a coyote and lessen its fear of humans. If a coyote will not leave the property by yelling at it, then residents can spray the coyote with a garden hose, spray vinegar water toward it or bang pots and pans together for a louder distraction.

While coyotes have been growing in population along the North Shore for several years, there have been increased incidents this year of potentially dangerous encounters with humans.

Two people reported being bitten in Vinnin Square early in the spring — spurring Board of Health pleas to residents and restaurants not to leave food out that attracts the canines and makes them think that humans are a source that provides food instead of something that should be feared.

More information on "coexisting with coyotes" 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.)