This weekend a neighbor noticed a coyote (we’re assuming it’s a coyote) in the Charlesbank area of Newton Corner. Neighborhood reactions have ranged from “OMG hide the women and children! (ok, they said pets but you get the gist)” to “Relax, it’s nature. Enjoy it.”
I’m withholding judgment for now but keeping our cat close to the house. If I hear the city’s response or any other news, I’ll update.
It’s hard to say for sure from the photo … but he looks like a big guy.
Yeah, does look big. I haven’t seen it myself but it’s near my house and has been sighted in the Nonantum Place playground. Glad we don’t have dingos I guess
Doug– Just a suggestion… I would keep your cat IN the house, not just close to the house. Do you see how close that animal is to the house in the top photo? It also appears to be broad daylight when these photos were taken. This is exactly why I continue to remind parents of small children that these animals pose a serious threat. The coyote genie is out of the bottle in this area. Small children should NEVER be left alone outside, even for the briefest moment. I’m not trying to cause alarm or panic people. But that is the reality of the situation as it exists here today.
Mike, agreed. I love nature, but not if it doesn’t love me back
Beautiful animal.
We recently moved to a house in Dudley Road with 3 year old twins and a bulldog. My nanny called me today frantically to let me know that there was a pretty big coyote lurking in our backyard (not around but inside!) what am I supposed to do? I already called animal control, but the person’s extension said he was on vacation. I had our contractor there and he verified that it was in fact a pretty big and young coyote.
@Marie -a good starting point for information is the state Dept. of Fish and Game – here’s the link: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_coyotes.htm
The Mayor’s office arranged an informational session a couple of months ago with a presentation by the folks at Fish and Game, and probably the strongest message that they had for the public was that coyotes are all over this area and they’re here to stay so we have to learn to live with them. The second message was that it is difficult (though not impossible) to have a specific coyote removed – and the only removal is lethal removal. This is not undertaken quickly or lightly because it requires the discharge of a firearm – and the environmental police have to ensure the safety of all people in the area before doing that. Also worth mentioning that the City of Newton has a page where you can post a sighting so you might want to take a minute and do that to help track their activity. The number for the environmental police is: 800-632-8075.
Hope this helps a little.
Marie– Your babysitter seems like she handled the situation in a very responsible manner. It’s good to have someone you trust watching over your children. It is imperative that you and she/he understand your 3 year old children should NEVER be left alone outside even for the briefest moment.
If you’re fond of your bulldog [as I assume you are] it’s almost as important that the dog not be let outside alone. Coyotes are still a relatively new phenomenon in Eastern Massachusetts, and the authorities have never developed a coyote control plan. I’m not trying to be a fear monger, but coyotes do not distinguish between small children and small animals. If given the opportunity, they will eat a child as quickly as they would eat a pet. That is the unfortunate reality.