MSPCA Launches Coexist with Coyotes Pledge

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FRAMINGHAM – High summer brings the high point of the coyote population—with MSPCA Advocacy officials estimating there are nearly 12,000 of these four-legged animals who on the surface appear cute as dogs—causing worry amongst neighbors with kids AND pets.

It’s no secret that cats and even small dogs occasionally fall prey to coyotes. 

Moreover, there have been 25 attacks on humans since the first documented case 25 years ago. 

But killing coyotes runs counter to every conservationist’s ambition for keeping our wild spaces wild, and the MSPCA yesterday, August 9, launched a new campaign to help people, and their pets, live peacefully alongside these beautiful animals.  

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MSPCA Advocacy Specialist, Elizabeth Magner, has unveiled the “Coexist with Coyotes” pledge that she hopes every Bay Stater will sign and share, with an accompanying video replete with coyote clips shot and shared by countless Mass. residents in the last year alone. 

“Having this many coyotes in such populated areas is relatively new in our state—but they’re here and they’re not going anywhere.  We have to coexist and modify our behaviors. If we do then we will be safe—and the coyotes will be, too,” said Magner.

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What to Do if You See a Coyote

According to Magner, an encounter with a coyote need never be dangerous.  “Avoiding coyote conflicts is as easy as standing tall, appearing aggressive, waving arms, and making loud noises.  In most cases this will cause the animal to run away.” 

But just as important, says Magner, is to do everything possible to avoid these encounters altogether.  “We should never feed coyotes, obviously, and the extent to which we close off crawl spaces under our porches and foundations, as well as stowing pet food, grills and trash responsibly, will make our homes and communities less attractive to them.”

The MSPCA has more fulsome resources available online to help everyone in Massachusetts live peacefully alongside wildlife.

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In full transparency, the following press release, video, and photos are courtesy of the MSPCA

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