Coyotes Don't Care About the Time

Coyotes don't care about the time, contrary to popular belief.

And as area residents will learn next week.

"Living With Coyotes," an educational presentation by Belmont Animal Control Officer John Maguranis, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. next Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Southborough Senior Center, 9 Cordaville Road, Southborough.

"Most common remark I hear is, 'The coyote was out in broad daylight.'
Coyotes are not nocturnal, so seeing them anytime day or night is normal," Maguranis, the Massachusetts representative for Project Coyote, said Thursday.
 
"Additionally, most people think they are aggressive just by being in their back yards. Coyotes have been in Massachusetts for over 60 years and we've had a handful of bites; at least two were confirmed rabid. 

"Walking through a school playground, back yard or Main Street is not aggression."

This interview was conducted by e-mail.

Northborough Patch
How common are coyotes in the Northborough-Southborough area? Are coyote population statistics available?

John Maguranis
I am not aware of any statistics regarding coyote populations in Massachusetts. I have seen estimates published before, but there's really no way of knowing.

Northborough Patch
A notice about the presentation refers to "community hazing." What is that?

John Maguranis
Community based hazing is simply empowering residents to "train" their local coyotes to keep away and out of trouble without killing them. Coyotes are an important resource and fill an empty niche that's been vacant for over 160 years, so having them around is a good thing; free rodent and geese control, strengthen other wildlife by playing their role in ecology.

Northborough Patch
What are some ways that people can protect themselves and their pets from coyotes?

John Maguranis
Getting bit by a coyote is an extreme rare event, but residents can perform simple acts to keep them away from their properties such as: cleaning up any and all food resources (fruit trees, bird feeders, compost piles and household trash). Small pets should be leashed and never allowed to roam free. Install flood lights in yards and before letting the dog out, open the door, look around and say a few words, (coyotes are naturally afraid of humans, so "speaking" can actually send them off). Fencing is always a good way as well. My presentation covers much more in this area.

Northborough Patch
What happens after your presentation? Are any community awareness activities planned, for example?  

John Maguranis
None specifically, however I will be working with the animal control officers and police officers so that they can continue to educate the public and be equipped with the knowledge to successfully deal with coyotes.