It’s Coyote Mating Season in Massachusetts – How to Protect Your Pets

It's coyote mating season in Massachusetts. Here's how to keep your pets safe.

Did you know there are about about 12,000 wily coyotes in Massachusetts?

And if they coyotes have their way, there are about to be more. It's coyote mating mating season in Massachusetts, which means you have to beware.

According to patch.com, a coyote accosted a Stoneham woman in her driveway in October. Coyotes attacked dogs in two separate incidents in Hopkinton and Milford . Brighton residents reported a pair of coyotes "milling around" in a backyard in November. "There have been coyote sightings in Peabody and warnings in North Andover. Don't forget the sharpshooters Nahant hired."

Believe it or not, these crafty canines weren't always hanging out in the Bay State. They actually migrated here from the Great Plains in the early 20th century, and boy, have they made themselves at home.  Especially during their mating season, which typically runs from January to March.

During this time, coyotes are more active and can be more aggressive as they establish territories and search for mates. In fact, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife reports hundreds of encounters with coyotes each year, with some resulting in attacks on pets. According to MassWildlife, the coyote mating season will last through March. Coyotes are "very active" both seeking mates and defending what they perceive as their territory.

So, what's a pet parent to do? Here are some tips to keep your furry buddies safe:

By following these tips, you can help protect your pets and ensure they stay safe and sound during coyote mating season. So, let's show those coyotes that in Massachusetts, our pets are family, and we'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe and happy!

Is there a road runner in the area? Because there are a lot of coyote sightings these days.

Yes, coyotes are on the prowl in Massachusetts. But what should you do if you see one?

A fifth-grade girl in Hingham was chased by a coyote while walking her dog before school Tueday, Oct 4.

“The coyotes are walking down the middle of the street. They’re walking by South Elementary School in the middle of the day," Alison Fabella, who lives in Hingham, told Boston.com. She also has seen them at the bus stop and in her backyard.

Fabella said she was chased by a coyote when she was out walking her dog last week, Boston.com reported.

On Aug. 27, two off-leash dogs were attacked by a group of seven coyotes. One of the dogs had to be put down because its injuries were so severe. That same day, a man and his two off-leash dogs were attacked by coyotes, sending the man to the hospital, according to Boston.com.

Then, on Sept. 29, a Cohasset Dachshund was nearly killed after a coyote jumped a four-foot fence to attack it.

Well the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife described them like this:

"The eastern coyote resembles a medium-sized dog in body size and shape, but has longer, denser fur and pointed, erect ears. The tail is long, black-tipped, and bushy. A typical coat color is a grizzled gray but can vary from creamy blonde to red or nearly solid black. Weights for females are 33–40 pounds, while males typically weigh 34–47 pounds."

"Coyotes often look heavier than they are because of their thick fur." (Reminder to me: fur coats make you look chubs.)

OK. This is a no-brainer folks. Coyotes are like the neighborhood kids. If you feed them, they come back. And then you can't get rid of them.

Keep your pets leashed. And a fence doesn't necessarily mean safety. Never leave your pet outside unattended. Also, domestic cats should stay indoors. And an electric fence only works one way, people. So keep that in mind.

Instead of running, shout or throw something in its direction. But don't play victim. Be aggressive.

According to Urban Coyote Research, when a coyote fails to exhibit fear of humans or acts aggressively, the animal should be reported as soon as possible to the appropriate officials. "It is recommended that towns have a procedure in place to handle these reports. Signs of aggression are similar to those shown by domestic dogs and include agitated barking (unprovoked), raised hackles, snarling, growling, and lunging. These behaviors are usually preceded by other indications as shown in the chart below, though may change seasonally."

Too bad the bar is closed. No more bar dancing and swinging bras! But not a bad movie!