Massachusetts Has 12,000 Coyotes, Here’s What To Know

You likely read about coyotes roaming in your part of the state this past winter. Perhaps you even saw some. Late January through March is the typical coyote mating season here. So, here's what you need to know about Massachusetts having 12,000 coyotes in the state.

This past winter was uncharacteristically warm. This meant coyotes were more comfortable being out during their aggressive season. We have now reached the season where they give birth to a den of 4-8 pups. The parents are generally protective of their babies until they disperse in the fall. Last year, especially on the south shore, coyotes were highly visible during the fall season. Fortunately, we have a few months now where coyotes are territorial. They will remain close to their dens until they are older and physically capable of living on their own, come the autumn season. It is important to note that coyotes do not hibernate, however. They are active all year.

Early this year, Wildlife Boss published a report that detailed how many coyotes each state in the country has. They estimated Massachusetts has 12,000, which was the second highest population in New England. This was slightly behind Maine who has 15,000. Surprisingly, Rhode Island was next with 3,600 - 6,070 coyotes. Additionally, they state 500,000 coyotes are harvested in the country per year. Hawaii is the only state that does not have any.

"Coyotes are present in every city and town in mainland Massachusetts, meaning the opportunity for human-coyote interaction is high," Mass.gov states. When the pups leave their den they are likely to roam the same areas they come from. They have been trained to think that it is their territory. They eat whatever is easiest to obtain, making them "opportunistic feeders." There's not a lot that is "off limits" in the coyote diet. They will eat rodents, roadkill, insects, dead birds, fruits or pet food that is left out. Pet owners are always advised to keep their cats and smaller dogs inside or under their direct supervision during an active coyote season.

One common reaction to coyotes is to be fearful. Wildlife and animal control centers suggest not being intimidated by these animals. "Repeated hazing helps teach coyotes they are not welcome in your yard, similar to how coyotes naturally chase other coyotes out of their own territories. The more people in a community that haze coyotes, the more effective it will be in making them avoid people," the state suggests. In fact, banging pots and pans, making loud noises, and spraying a coyote with a hose are effective ways to haze them. It makes them know they are not welcome in these areas. If you feed them, they regard your home as an inviting habitat.

You can take preventative measures to limit the chances of coyotes visiting your yard. Cutting back bushes, securing garbage, and closing off crawl spaces are some suggested actions.

If you have additional questions about what to know regarding the 12,000 coyotes in Massachusetts, Mass.Gov/masswildlife is a good resource.

Wedding season has begun. In general, wedding season extends from late spring and continues through early fall, with weddings peaking in June and September, per Brides.com. Most couples opt for Spring and early Fall weddings because temperatures are a bit more comfortable compared to the warmer or colder seasons.

When it comes to weddings, some people scope out venues that offer affordability, space for guests, or a place that practically decorates itself with a stunning backdrop. That's why many couples prefer getting married outdoors.  Whether it be a private estate, a public area like a beach, or your own backyard, some cities may be a better option for an outdoor wedding.

LawnLove.com compared 200 of the biggest U.S. cities based on eight categories to compile a list of the best cities for outdoor wedding venues. They looked at the quality of outdoor wedding venues, access to wedding planners, sunshine, and other metrics.

Several cities in Florida and California are at the top, with plenty of access to venues and wedding-related services. The best venue access for outdoor weddings includes Charleston, South Carolina at number one, followed by Savannah (number. 4), Honolulu (number 15), New Orleans (number 10), St. Louis (number 14), and Las Vegas (number 13).

The study found that some smaller cities and suburbs are not so great for nature-themed nuptials, such as Miramar, Florida (number 197), Newark, New Jersey (number 198), and North Las Vegas, Nevada (number 199). They said these cities generally lack venue access, high venue quality, accommodations, and wedding-look resources.

Overall, due to a lack of venues, wedding planners, bridal shops, and accommodations, among other resources, West Valley City, Utah finished at 200.

Check out the full list of the best cities for outdoor weddings here.

Here are the best Massachusetts cities for outdoor weddings.

Overall, Boston ranked at number 39. According to WeddingWire.com, Boston is a popular city for weddings and it turns out it's one of the most expensive as well. They said the average cost of a Boston wedding is $36,300.

Though ranked at number 113, Worcester has plenty of outdoor options for a wedding including Green Hill Park.

Springfield ranked 187 out of 200. Making it one of the worst places for an outdoor wedding.