Coyote spotted on Hanscom grounds; residents urged to keep safety in mind

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lisa Spilinek
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  A coyote has been seen roaming base grounds. The animal is not considered a threat to human safety, but base personnel and residents should take precautions if they encounter the animal.

"Healthy coyotes rarely attack humans. Most cases of coyote attacks occur when coyotes are in packs or if the coyote has rabies," said Dr. Heather Mazzaccaro, Hanscom veterinarian.

"It is probable that this coyote has been on the installation or in the immediate area for some time and is surviving off of small animals, such as rodents, and other sources of readily available foods," she said. "Coyotes are opportunistic hunters and it is therefore recommended that all small pets be kept indoors or under close supervision when outside. Cats should not be allowed to roam freely outside. If you spot the coyote, please keep your dog inside the house until the coyote has left to avoid any confrontations."

Coyotes are usually the size of a medium-size dog, but with longer, thicker fur. A coyote is typically four to five feet in length. Female coyotes weigh an average of 33 to 40 pounds, while males weigh an average of 34 to 47 pounds, according to the Massachusetts Department of Wildlife Web site, www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_coyotes.htm.  

Coyotes are found throughout Massachusetts and it is against state law to remove a coyote and release it into another area. Lethal removal is permitted only if the animal is considered a threat to human safety.

The following tips from the Department of Wildlife Web site should be followed to prevent human/coyote conflicts.

Don't let coyotes intimidate you. Don't hesitate to scare or threaten coyotes with loud noises and bright lights. Don't hesitate to pick up small objects, such as a tennis ball, and throw them at the coyote. If a water hose is close at hand, spray the coyote with water in the face. Let the coyote know it is unwelcome in your area.

Secure your garbage. Coyotes will raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost piles in containers designed to contain but vent the material.

Don't feed or try to pet coyotes. Keep wild things wild. Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause coyotes to act tame and over time may lead to bold behavior. Coyotes that rely on natural food items remain wild and wary of humans.

Keep your pets safe. Although free roaming pets are more likely to be killed by automobiles than by wild animals, coyotes do view cats and small dogs as potential food and larger dogs as competition. For the safety of your pets, keep them restrained at all times.

Feed pets indoors. Outdoor feeding attracts many wild animals to your door.

Keep bird feeding areas clean. Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground as the seed attracts many small mammals that coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard.

Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds. Coyotes use such areas for resting and raising young.

Cut back brushy edges in your yard. These areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey.