Numerous Coyote Sightings Reported in Wilmington: Animal Control

WILMINGTON, MA — Several Wilmington residents have reported seeing coyotes in and around town, representing an increase in sightings of the animals throughout Wilmington.

According to a Facebook post by Wilmington Animal Control officer Christopher Sullivan, one of the main reasons for the increased amount of sightings is construction going on at the Yentile Recreation Center to the new house being built on the corner of High Street and Rte. 62. The displacement of the wildlife has caused them to search for a new home, making them more visible to residents.

In the latest installment of Wilmington Community TV's Wildlife of Wilmington, there are several coyote sightings featured in the video.

The Animal Control Officer's post advised residents who spot coyotes to "be loudly aggressive, throw a tennis ball or something similar at them or if you have a hose handy (and not frozen) spray it with water." The post also recommended tips to residents from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife on how to coexist with coyotes. Below you will find a basic rundown of the tips, you can read more from MassWildlife here.

• Don't feed or try to pet coyotes
• Secure your garbage
• Keep bird feeder areas clean
• Close off all crawl spaces
• Don't let coyotes intimidate you
• Cut back brushy edges
• Protect livestock and produce
• Keep pets leashed at all times and feed them indoors.

Image via WCTV screenshot