By Sandy Quadros Bowles

Editor 

A Natick resident was walking his dog on a recent afternoon when he turned around and saw he was being followed.

A coyote was tailing him.

The resident didn’t panic. Instead, he blew an airhorn that he carries.

The noise did its job. The coyote scampered off.

That reaction was perfect, Natick Animal Control Officer Peter Cunningham said. He is working to educate residents about coyotes and how to avoid interacting with them.

The first thing to understand, he said, is that coyotes aren’t going anywhere. Just as people have settled in Natick and other suburban towns, so have coyotes.

Coyotes have become part of the landscape in Natick. Photo courtesy Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

“If you live in Natick, ‘’ he said, “you’re living with coyotes. ‘’

Coyotes are particularly noticeable this time of year. Breeding season peaks in mid-February. Last season’s pups are on their own now, looking for a territory and seeking a mate.

“They’re running around, trying to figure things out,’’ Cunningham said.

“I get reports of people saying ‘I saw a coyote in my neighbor’s yard’ or ‘I saw a coyote running behind the school.’ That’s all normal behavior for urban and suburban coyotes.’’

The coyote population is well established throughout the state, except on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. 

The animals will utilize whatever food is naturally available, including small animals, birds, insects and fruits, as well as artificial sources such as garbage, pet food, birdseed, and compost, according to Mass Wildlife.

Coyotes have been known to follow trash trucks on garbage days, Cunningham said. And trash bags left on the ground translate to an “all you can eat buffet.’’

The animals play a crucial role in nature, wildlife biologists report. They scavenge road kill, which helps to keep the environment clean, and will help keep populations of rodents, rabbits and deer in check.

Unfortunately, they have also been known to attack small pets, which they view as a potential meal. Cunningham urges residents to obey the leash law and to avoid leaving pets alone outside. Cats allowed to roam can be struck by vehicles as well as becoming prey for coyotes.

So how does a resident reduce the chances interacting with a coyote?

Remove bird feeders. Bird feeders attract many small mammals, like squirrels, that coyotes prey upon. Coyotes may also consume bird seed and suet. Remove bird feeders to avoid attracting coyotes.

Secure your garbage and compost. Coyotes raid open trash and compost piles..

Protect produce and livestock. Clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees and ripe vegetables from garden. Use fencing to protect livestock from coyotes. 

Feed pets indoors. Outdoor feeding can attract many wild animals.

A key step residents can take is to make them feel unwelcome. Coyotes can become habituated, or accustomed to humans. This can make them more likely to interact with humans.

To avoid this, residents should “haze’’ the coyotes, much as the resident walking his dog did. 

There are several ways to do this.

Move toward the coyote while waving arms or clapping.

Make loud noises by yelling, whistling or using an air horn.

Spray a hose or toss small items such as tennis balls in the creature’s direction.

By doing this, coyotes will learn they are not welcome near you. 

Natick provides a portal where residents can report coyote sightings. This service is provided for data collection, Cunningham said, and should not be used to report emergencies.

In an emergency, call the police, Cunningham advises. 

But a mere sighting, without the animal showing aggressive behavior, does not constitute an emergency, he said.  The animals are part of the landscape, he said.

They’ve adjusted to us. We haven’t adjusted to them yet.’’ 

To report a coyote sighting, visit https://www.natickma.gov/FormCenter/Misc-Forms-9/Report-a-Coyote-Sighting-55