NAHANT — The island has had some unwanted visitors as of late.
The town has been forced to deal with a rise of coyote sightings in recent weeks, as have other Massachusetts municipalities. For Nahant, the only difference is that the town is just one square mile large.
“Unlike other towns where (coyotes) are traveling from town to town maybe, the coyotes here have created a home, (a) den,” said Town Administrator Antonio Barletta.
This has had a great effect on the population, as parents have to worry about protecting small children and animal lovers have to worry about protecting their pets. Right now, Barletta said that there are perhaps six coyotes meandering the island.
The town has not had any attacks on people, which are quite rare, or any domestic pets on leashes, but a number of pets off-leash have been attacked.
The state regulates how municipalities are able to deal with coyotes. If residents are to come in contact with the animals, Barletta said that they should let the coyotes know that they are unwelcome.
“Basically make the coyotes uncomfortable so that they don’t become familiar with people or become comfortable around people,” he said.
Barletta also mentioned that the state tells residents to make themselves large by raising their arms, as well as stomping their feet and yelling at the animal.
He also mentioned that residents shouldn’t leave food outside and should make sure that trash barrels are covered. The town has also provided residents with whistles to use when walking around the community.
“Something to make a loud noise towards the coyote to try and scare it away from them,” said Barletta.
Nahant is also focusing on passing on the information they receive from the state and ensuring that residents have as much information as possible to help them avoid negative interactions with coyotes.
Massachusetts doesn’t allow municipalities to relocate coyotes, and it is believed that even if the animals were moved, others would take their place.
