Massachusetts officials warn after person walking dog possibly attacked by coyote; here are some tips

Officials are warning the public after a possible incident with a coyote.

According to Animal Control, at approximately 5:00 p.m. last Monday, a person walking their dog was possibly attacked by a coyote on Woodland Avenue in Brockton.

Officers were not able to locate the coyote.

Animal Control want to advise citizens to be vigilant when walking around dusk and dawn, these are the times that these animals are more active.

There are a few simple steps people can take to prevent the habituation of coyotes: Remove food sources, protect pets, haze coyotes, and eliminate shelter.

Remove food sources

Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause coyotes to act tame and may lead to bold behavior. Coyotes that rely on natural foods remain wary of humans. Never intentionally provide food for coyotes to attract them to your property.

• Remove bird feeders. Bird feeders attract many small mammals, like squirrels, that coyotes prey upon. Coyotes may also consume bird seed and suet. Remove bird feeders to avoid attracting coyotes.
• Secure your garbage and compost. Coyotes raid open trash and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep them in secure buildings when possible. Take your out trash the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost in secure, vented containers.
• Protect produce and livestock. Clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees and ripe vegetables from garden. Use fencing to protect livestock from coyotes. Fencing should be at least 6 feet high and extend into the ground. You may also install PVC pipe that is free to spin around a tight wire at the top of the fence or have an outward overhang of fence wire to make it more difficult for the coyote to grip and get over the fence. 
• Feed pets indoors. Outdoor feeding can attract many wild animals.

Protect your pets

While unfortunate, it’s normal behavior for coyotes to attack pets like outdoor cats and unsupervised dogs. Coyotes can view cats and small dogs as potential food sources and large dogs as competition. It’s your presence next to your pet that prevents an attack. Do not supervise your pets from a distance. Pets should be on a leash under direct supervision at all times when outdoors. Also remember to feed your pets indoors to avoid attracting wildlife. 

Learn more about protecting your pets from wildlife 

Haze coyotes

To prevent habituation, people should aggressively haze coyotes. Hazing is a technique used to deter an animal from an area or change its behavior. Repeated hazing helps teach coyotes to avoid people and that they are not welcome in your neighborhood. Similar to one coyote chasing another out of their territory, you are defining and defending your territory.

You can haze a coyote by:

• Moving toward the coyote while waving your arms or clapping. 
• Making loud noises by yelling, using an air horn, or whistle. 
• Spraying a hose or throwing small objects, like tennis balls, in the coyote’s direction