Dog Attacked By Coyote At Framingham-Sudbury Border, Police Say

SUDBURY, MA — Sudbury police say that several coyotes were spotted recently along the Framingham-Sudbury line, and ended up attacking a dog.

The incident happened Monday around 9 p.m. along Landham Road, Sudbury police said. Two coyotes attacked an 85-pound dog in its owner's yard, police said. The dog was able to fight off the coyotes and wasn't hurt.

Coyotes are common across Massachusetts, from rural areas to suburbs and even in cities.

The state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife recommends residents keep food sources like garbage and bird seed secure. And areas that could provide shelter should be closed off. Coyotes may attempt to eat smaller pets, and larger pets may be perceived as a rival.

"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," the state guidance says. "For the safety of your pets, keep them leashed and under your supervision at all times."

Coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare. But in March, a Southborough woman and her 85-pound dog were surrounded by four coyotes in the backyard of a home along Asaree Drive just north of the Ashland line. The woman's husband scared the coyotes off by waving a broom, according to reports.