Coyote Population On The Rise In Swampscott: Animal Control

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — With coyotes roaming through Swampscott more frequently, Animal Control Officer Dan Proulx is advising residents who walk their dogs in "known coyote areas" to carry a whistle with them to ward off the prowlers.

Proulx said "with the local coyote population on the rise" the whistle — or any loud noise — will help scare off the naturally skittish animals.

"Coyotes naturally fear humans and attacks are rare," Swampscott police said. "But with the increase in sightings, this is an excellent tool in case of an emergency."

Whistles can be found at the police station. Due to limited supply, residents are asked to only take one each.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)