Massachusetts: Coyotes Spotted Across The South Shore

The frigid cold temperatures didn't seem to bother coyotes this past weekend. In fact, across the south shore of Massachusetts, coyotes were even out in packs.

For better or worse, this news is not all that surprising. Coyotes have made themselves quite comfortable within Massachusetts over the past few years. However, a few elements of this recent coyote spotting are out of the ordinary. Previously, coyotes were being spotted frequently in the spring and fall. Certain towns, like Hingham in Plymouth County, were proactive on calling this out. Whether it was residents calling for action or Animal Control detailing what to do, residents were often alerted. In addition, coyote spotting in this area was often one or two of these creatures at a time.

Boston 25 News reported (and had video) of a pack of coyotes roaming together in Cohasset. Here, you can see as many as eight at a time. Unfortunately, that was not the extent of the news in Cohasset so far this month. To start the year, NBC Boston detailed how a 55-pound dog was attacked.

The retriever was simply out in the backyard at night, enjoying its nightly routine. Instead of barking at the door to come back in, the owner, Nathaniel Palmer, heard a disturbing sound. At this point, a coyote was seen near the dog and did not run away immediately. Luckily, the dog was not harmed but did receive treatment.

“We really took for granted that a dog can enjoy his yard,” Palmer said.

The Hingham Anchor has often detailed how you deal with coyotes running wild in your neighborhood. As a refresher, some key points they highlight via the MassWildlife suggestions include making sure you have tightly secured the garbage cans we left out. Furthermore, feed your pets inside. This includes being aware of bird food or bird seed you have out on your property. Lastly, it's important to remember not to be overly terrified. Loud noises, a tennis ball, or shining bright lights on the coyote can often scare them off.

Okay, let me get right to the point. I'm from New Jersey and grew up about twenty miles from Manhattan. So, I've been on the hunt for the perfect bagel ever since I moved to New England 12 years ago, and have been pleasantly surprised to find a few Massachusetts chain restaurants that actually have great bagels.

I'm also always on the run driving to various events or tournaments across the state. Regardless of what county I am in, a good bagel and coffee breakfast is something I am always looking for. Time is usually of the essence so my preference is typically a quick grab-and-go.

I've compiled a short list of bagel chains that really deliver. To clarify, this list excludes any local bakery or privately owned single bagel shop. Many of those remain among my favorite places to grab an everything, extra-toasted, and lightly buttered. In fact, this past weekend I even tripped across one that cooks a "New Jersey Pork Roll" bagel sandwich. The proper term is Taylor Ham, but back to the point.

The bagel restaurants selected here don't have to be specific to Massachusetts only. They do, however have multiple locations throughout the state. So, If I'm en route to an early morning lacrosse tournament in Devens and stop in to grab breakfast at a Newton franchise, I can expect their other location in Milton will have a similar offering, when I'm there for a sunrise hockey game in the winter.

In full transparency, Dunkin' Donuts is not on this list. With all due respect,  it's called Dunkin "Donuts" for a reason. Throw a sausage, egg, and cheese on one of their bagels and I'm OK, but I'm still not going out of my way specifically for their bagels. However, if this were a coffee chain feature, Dunkin' would be standing strong towards the top.

Without further ado, let's hop in the car, roll down Route 3, 24, or take a sharp exit off 93, and pull into a few Massachusetts small chain restaurants that are cooking up some great bagels.

There are five Gunther Tooties locations from Foxborough down to the South Shore. The owner of this chain worked in a New York bagel shop before taking over the first location in Pembroke. Moreover, a few of their spots offer drive-through. The "French Toast" bagel listed under the New York Style portion of the menu is always hard to resist.

Sometimes known as "The Bagel Shop" (like their Chatham location), this is a family operated chain business that has a significant presence in eastern Massachusetts and in Florida. Everything is baked fresh onsite. If you've ever wondered what Chocolate Chip Cookie flavored Iced Coffee takes like, they have 22 different variations here. And it tastes as good as it sounds.

There are five Cafe Fresh Bagel restaurants all within about 30 minutes of each other. This is my bagel breakfast sandwich spot. I  keep it simple when I go there, with a classic: bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel.

There are 14 Bruegger's in Massachusetts. Each one is a combination of its own character and consistent taste. The menu is the same everywhere, which is a good thing because their bagels contiguously deliver an essential bagel flavor whether you are in a Bruegger's on School St. in Boston or stopping in on your way to their Route 3a South Shore location on your way to the highway. Plus, their bagels are relatively small, so you can eat two.