Feeding wildlife can lead to dangerous situations, residents be aware

Jan. 29, 2020 | Payton North
payton@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW – Residents of East Longmeadow and other surrounding communities be advised, there have been many coyote sightings in the area. The Town of East Longmeadow would like residents to stay vigilant and aware.

In a public service announcement (PSA), the East Longmeadow Health Department explained, “According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, coyotes can thrive close to humans in a variety of habitats. In fact, coyotes are now found in every city and town in Massachusetts, except on the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.”

The PSA was sent out in response a resident’s recent complaint to the town council where the resident noted that her neighbor was feeding wildlife on her property. The resident who complained proposed an ordinance to prevent residents from feeding predatory animals. Town Council President Kathy Hill explained at the Jan. 14 town council meeting that this type of ordinance would be difficult to pass, noting that the town can’t take action because at the state level, the wildlife in the Commonwealth belongs to the Commonwealth and not any town or municipality.

At that, council member Marilyn Richards added that she is concerned for the safety of pets and small children, which led to the decision to make a PSA to warn residents about feeding predatory animals.

The PSA notes that over the past few months there have been a variety of sightings of coyotes around town, and that the presence of a coyote alone is not a cause for concern. The Health Department explains that coyotes are naturally afraid of people.

“There are ways to make your property less attractive to coyotes. First is to keep wild life wild! Never deliberately provide food to coyotes,” the PSA explains. Continuing, “Feeding, whether directly or by leaving it out on your property for them, can cause coyotes to act tame and may lead to bold behavior. Coyotes that rely on natural foods remain wild and wary of humans.”

The PSA continues to explain that eliminating other sources of food on residents property is helpful, such as securing garbage, covering compost or removing unkempt birdfeeders. In addition, eliminating sources of shelter such as crawl spaces and overgrown brushy hedges is also an option for residents concerned.

“Coyotes will use areas under porches and sheds for resting and raising young. Close these areas off to prevent animals from using them,” the PSA explains.

An eastern coyote, which is the type that lives in our area, resemble a medium–sized dog in body size and shape but has longer, denser fur and pointed, erect ears. The coyotes also have a long tail that is black–tipped and busy, with a typical grizzled gray coat but can vary from creamy blonde to red or nearly solid black.

Residents are encouraged to call the towns animal control officers at any time of day through their 911 dispatch system, should a resident feel that the coyote or any other wild animal is exhibiting odd behavior or if an immediate threat to human safety exists. For more information on coyotes, residents can call the Health Department at 525–5400 ext. 1103 or go to https://www.mass.gov/doc/living-with-coyotes-fact-sheet/download.

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