SAUGUS — With coyote activity fluctuating in residential areas, locals have been looking for ways to stay safe.
Problem Animal Control Agent Dan Proulx has been traveling around the North Shore trying to help community members learn to coexist with the coyotes and educate people on how to stay safe.
“I helped get towns like Salem, Marblehead, and Swampscott highly involved in scaring coyotes off…We haven’t had any issues in the last year and a half. What happens is there are hotspots that pop up, and it’s usually just one coyote that’s causing issues, maybe two at the most,” Proulx said.
He highlighted specific steps to help keep residents and pets safe.
“The number one thing is never to let your dog out by itself, even in a fenced-in yard, especially early morning or after dark,” he said.
Proulx added residents who have smaller dogs should be vigilant and avoid using retractable leashes.
“Keep your dog by your side. Never have an outdoor feeding source, including water, and if you have a bird feeder, I would take it down, especially if there is an uptick of coyote activity,” he said.
Proulx added that coyotes are extremely scared of people and that it can be easy to chase them off as long as they show no signs of being rabid. He said that people should always check their property at night before letting pets out, carry a flashlight, and be loud.
“Don’t be scared, be aware,” he said.
Proulx said he recommends getting a CoyoteVest for all small dogs as a great safety measure.
He added rearranging outdoor furniture and having motion-activated Halloween decorations are great preventative measures.
Residents with safety concerns, can contact Proulx at (978)-818-0016. Further information regarding coyote safety can be found at mass.gov.
