Officials in Massachusetts provide tips after two two-year-olds attacked by coyote

ARLINGTON — Chief Julie Flaherty and Health and Human Services Director Christine Bongiorno report that the Arlington Police Department responded after two children were attacked by a coyote in separate incidents on Sunday.

On Sunday, Sept. 5 at approximately 5:40 p.m., Arlington Police responded to Epping Street for a report of a child bitten by a coyote. The 2-year-old female was in her yard when she was approached, bitten on the back and dragged by a coyote.

Later, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Arlington Police responded to Summerhill Road for a report of another child attacked by a coyote. The 2-year-old female was in her yard when the coyote approached and scratched her.

Both children were taken to an area hospital for evaluation and suffered injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Officials believe that the same coyote was involved in both incidents. Officials searched the area in an effort to locate the coyote, and continue to work to keep track of coyote activity in the area.

The incidents remain under investigation by the Arlington Police Department, Arlington Health and Human Services and the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

Arlington HHS wishes to share these tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for safely avoiding interactions with coyotes:

Never provide food for coyotes or do anything to attract them.

Prevent coyotes from accessing food sources

Spend time outdoors.

Protect pets from coyotes.

If you encounter a coyote, Project Coyote recommends taking steps to scare it away — these steps are known as hazing:

Stand your ground: Make eye contact and advance toward the coyote while actively hazing until it retreats. Allow room for it to retreat.

Make sure the coyote is focused on you as a source of danger. Do not haze from a building or car where it can’t clearly see you.

Continue your hazing efforts, even if there is more than one coyote present.

Use multiple tools, such as loud sound, light and exaggerated motion.

Hazing should be exaggerated, assertive and consistent.

Coyotes have routine habits, so make note of when and where you encounter them. Ask your neighbors to assist in scaring them off.
If a coyote appears sick or injured, do not attempt to haze it.

Hazing should be avoided in the months of March through July, as well as if the coyote is a comfortable distance away, or if you encounter a coyote in an open area where a den may be nearby. You should haze a coyote if it approaches you, or if you see it comfortably walking in a neighborhood or park.