Police Caution After 2 Dogs Attacked By Coyotes On North Shore

NORTH SHORE, MA – Police are warning residents to watch their pets after a dog was attacked and killed by a coyote in a Gloucester backyard around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. This is the second incident of a coyote attacking a dog, after a Yorkie was reportedly taken from a Peabody home on Friday night.

According to the Peabody Police log, a coyote attacked and stole a Yorkie from Raymond Circle on Friday around 6 p.m.

Gloucester Animal Control responded to Sumac Lane on a report of a resident whose dog had been killed by another animal, according to a statement from Gloucester Police. Animal Control officers searched the area but didn't find the coyote.

Gloucester Police shared the following tips from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife:

• Do not approach, feed, pet, or try to interact with wildlife, including coyotes, foxes or other wild animals.
• It is always a good idea to leash pets at all times if outdoors. Small cats and dogs are seen as prey and larger dogs, competition.
• Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten coyotes with loud noises, bright lights or water sprayed from a hose.
• Cut back brushy edges, as these areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey.
• Secure your garbage. Coyotes raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and keep them in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash when the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost in secure, vented containers, and keep barbecue grills clean to reduce attractive odors.
• Keep bird feeder areas clean. Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts many small mammals coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard.

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