4 Dogs Dead As Coyote Attacks On The Rise In MA Town: Reports

SAUGUS, MA — Four dogs are dead amid a recent uptick in coyote attacks in Saugus in recent weeks, according to multiple reports.

Four out of the six dogs have died following the attacks, which have occurred in neighborhoods including Baker Hill and Bristow Street between dusk and 10 p.m, Itemlive first reported, citing Saugus Animal Control Officer Dan McCullough.

One local, named Lisa J. Webster, shared news of her dog’s death in the public Dogs of Saugus Facebook group in late September.

“Hey neighbors….last night at 11:15 p.m. a good size coyote entered my yard and attacked my dog while I was standing next to him,” Webster wrote Sept. 3o. ” It took me kicking the coyote to get him to release my dog but ultimately Sparky succumbed to his injuries and passed at 11:40 p.m. … RIP Sparky Doodles, the hole in my heart will never heal.”

In early October, Saugus Town Manager Scott Crabtree and the Saugus Animal Control Department issued a public advisory urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets given the recent “coyote activity.”

“In recent weeks, the town has received multiple reports of confrontations involving coyotes and small dogs, as well as unwanted interactions between coyotes and residents,” Crabtree said. “Residents are encouraged to be extra vigilant of their surroundings as coyotes seek out food sources to bulk up in advance of winter.”

Dan Proulx, a Massachusetts problem animal control agent, gave a presentation titled
“Achieving Coexistence with Coyotes” last month at the Saugus Public Library, sharing the following tips to protect pets from unwanted coyote encounters:

• Take away outdoor feeding sources around your property. No outside feeding of pets, including water.
• Secure trash bins and take down any bird feeders.
• Always check your property for coyotes before taking your dog outside. Make lots of noise as a coyote deterrent.
• Never let your dog out by itself, especially during the early morning and in the evening.
• Never let your dog outside by itself even in a fenced-in yard, as coyotes are capable of jumping fences up to 8 feet high.
• When walking dogs keep them on a short leash and by your side.
• Coyotes are opportunistic predators that usually go after smaller animals. Be more vigilant if you own a small dog.
• If you see a coyote haze (scare) the animal. Hazing can mean standing tall, waving your arms, and stomping your feet.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife gave its own set of suggested measures to reduce the likelihood of a coyote attack on pets such as dogs and cats:

• It is your presence next to your pet that prevents an attack. Do not supervise your pets from a distance. Outdoor pets should be on a leash at all times.
• Keep cats indoors. If a cat is outdoors, they should be on a leash or directly supervised while in a secure enclosure.
• Keep dogs leashed and directly supervised whenever they are outside, especially early in the morning and at night.
• Installing 6-foot-high fencing with the bottom extending 1 foot underground provides the best protection for pets. If you have an existing fence, add a fence skirt that extends underground to prevent digging or roll bars to the top of the fence to prevent climbing.
• Visually scan your yard for wildlife before letting your dog outside.
• Illuminate your yard when your dog is outside when it’s dark.
• Remove all possible food sources that could attract wildlife to your property, including bird feeders, unsecured trash, pet food, and open compost.
• A bite from wildlife has the potential to spread diseases, like rabies. Pets should be evaluated by a veterinarian if they are attacked by wildlife.

Experts suggest that anyone who is being followed or approached by a coyote while outdoors with their pet avoid running or turning their back and get their pet inside before returning to shout at the animal, wave their arms, swing a walking stick, or throw small objects in their direction.

Officials added that residents with concerns or questions about coyotes should call Saugus Animal Control Officer Darren McCullough at 781-521-3911 or at 781-231-4176.