Coyotes have been reportedly approaching Salem residents while they are out walking their dogs, according to police who are educating people about ways to avoid coyote encounters.
This comes in the wake of a coyote problem in Nahant, where the town recently hired trained rifle experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to destroy a hostile coyote pack. The aggressive coyotes in Nahant have attacked dog walkers and their pets.
Coyote sightings are being reported “with increased frequency throughout Salem and surrounding communities,” Salem Police wrote on social media on Friday.
“This includes several recent reports of coyotes approaching people while walking their dogs, particularly in the South Salem/Pickman Park area,” police added. “In some cases, it has been reported that coyotes appear comfortable around people.”
Police listed tips to help people avoid problems with coyotes and to make their property less attractive to coyotes, including: removing sources of food and water, especially at night; securing garbage can lids or storing them indoors; putting away bird feeders and leftover poultry food at night; and not leaving dogs, cats, and other pets unattended outside, especially at night.
The federal agent sharpshooters hired by Nahant have taken out one coyote, according to officials who said the town has not received any reports of aggressive coyote behavior since the wildlife management program started.
Nahant is the first community in Massachusetts to hire U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services agents to take out habituated coyotes.
People should not approach a coyote if they see one, according to police.
“Make loud noises, wave your hands, blow a whistle or shout in an authoritative voice,” Salem Police wrote about what to do if residents see a coyote.
“If you have a close encounter with any large wild animal, pick up and hold children and small pets,” police added. “Do not turn your back, instead make loud noises and calmly back away.”
For those in Salem who are experiencing problems with coyotes or have questions, they should visit www.mass.gov/masswildlife or contact the servicing MassWildlife office (Northeast Wildlife District) at 978-772-2145.