What Should People Do If They See Coyotes in Natick?

A reader recently told us that they had recently been walking their dog and had come upon a pack of coyotes.

We decided to find out just how dangerous coyotes are, and how people can protect themselves from them.

Coyotes are common throughout the state, but a lot of times people don't see them.

"This is the time of year for denning," said Laura Conlee, a wildlife biologist for MassWildlife. "They're bringing food to their pups, and the coyotes are protective of their pups."

Coyotes don't have many natural predators, according to Conlee, so they don't flee as easily as some other animals if you try to scare them; rather, they'll trot off or turn and watch to assess the situation. Loud noise will get them to go away. Conlee suggests clapping or using a whistle, but anything will work.

"It's really important to harass coyotes when you see them," she said.

Coyotes are most active at sunrise and sunset when they can move around with the least amount of disruption to find food.

"If people disturb the den site they pick up the pups and move," Conlee said. "If it's in a wooded area leave it be, but if it's in a backyard you can disturb it with noise."

The MassWildlife website also has some good tips on living with coyotes. Here are a few:

• Scare coyotes with loud noises and/or bright lights. You can also throw small objects, such as a tennis ball, at them.
• Secure your garbage containers when they're outside so coyotes can't get into them.
• Don't feed coyotes.
• Don't feed your pets outside. The pet food may attract coyotes.

Conlee notes that, while any mammal can contract rabies, coyotes have an extremely low risk.

For more information about coyotes, you can contact the MassWildlife Field Headquarters for the Northeast District at 978-772-2145, or the main Field Headquarters at 508-389-6300. You can also visit their website.