Eighteen coyote encounters have been reported in Lexington since late June, including at least two attacks on dogs near the Poor Farm Conservation Area, prompting police to issue safety guidance for pet owners.
The encounters have been concentrated around Diana Lane and Jean Road, according to WCVB reporting published Tuesday, Aug. 4. A resident on Hill Street also photographed a coyote through a window near the conservation area, where a coyote warning sign is now posted.
In mid-July, a chocolate Labrador named Cooper was bitten by a coyote and required stitches. Cooper's owner, Leslie Stebbins, described a second close encounter shortly after.
"The coyote for 15 minutes was barking in a high-pitched bark, and I didn't know it, it was calling in the pack, 'We've got a kill, come on in,' to me and the 70-pound lab," Stebbins told WCVB on Aug. 4.
Some residents have begun carrying walking sticks on their routes near the conservation area. Others have changed their walking habits entirely to avoid the affected streets, according to Patch.
Police guidance
Lexington Police are urging residents to:
- Keep pets on leashes at all times
- Secure trash cans and compost bins
- Remove bird feeders, which attract small animals that coyotes prey on
The department has not issued a formal written advisory or named a spokesperson for the response, but the guidance was relayed through local media coverage.
What to do if you see a coyote
MassWildlife recommends a technique called "hazing" when a coyote appears in your yard or on your walking route. The state agency advises residents to approach the animal aggressively while waving arms, shouting or using noisemakers. The goal is to teach coyotes to avoid people and residential areas, according to MassWildlife guidance.
No town meeting, wildlife management hearing or follow-up advisory from Lexington Police has been announced. Residents who spot a coyote can contact the Lexington Police non-emergency line or report sightings to MassWildlife.
