Questions and Answers about Massachusetts Coyotes
Q. Where do coyotes in Massachusetts live?
A. Coyotes can be found in every municipality in Massachusetts.
Q: I’ve read that coyote sightings are increasing. Does this mean that the coyote population is growing?
A. No. Coyotes are territorial animals who actively defend their territory from transient coyotes, traveling between two to thirty square miles while on patrol. A single coyote traveling through their territory may be reported several times, which may lead people to believe that there are more coyotes then there really are. The coyote population in Massachusetts is stable; it is neither growing nor shrinking.
Q: If a coyote is seen during the day are they rabid?
A. No. Being out and about during the day is normal coyote behavior.
Q: If I hear a lot of yipping or howling does that mean the coyotes just made a kill or are in a fight?
A: No. Coyotes howl to “talk” to each other. Members of a family unit may travel long distances during the day and howling helps them communicate, including finding each other when it’s time to return to the den. Also, in the spring you may hear a lot of yipping—this is coyote pups learning and practicing their “language.” Keep in mind also that just a few coyotes vocalizing tends to sound like many more than are actually there.
Q: How many coyotes live in each territory?
A. Each territory has a resident family unit that consists of an alpha male and female who mate for life, possibly one or two coyotes born in the previous year’s litter (sometimes called associates or helpers). Coyotes breed between February and March and give birth during the spring and summer. The litters usually have four to eight pups. Pups are weaned at two months old and fully independent at nine months old. Some will disperse the year they are born and others will wait until the next year.
Q: Why are coyotes drawn to urban and suburban neighborhoods?
A. Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the country. Coyotes are drawn to neighborhoods due to human encroachment of coyote habitat and for food and water, which is generally easily available in urban and suburban areas.
Q: What can state/local authorities do to protect public health and safety?
A. If an animal is posing a threat, state and local officials have the authority to kill the animal. However, it is important to keep in mind that coyotes rarely bite or attack humans.
Q: Are coyotes a protected species or can they be hunted and trapped?
A: Coyotes can be hunted from October through March and trapped during the month of November.
Q: Is it true that trapping restrictions have caused the coyote population to increase?
A. No. The Wildlife Protection Act, passed in 1996, restricts the recreational use of cruel and indiscriminate traps, but has no effect on the coyote population. Trapping has never been in Massachusetts as a method to manage the coyote population. Additionally, MassWildlife has made clear that the coyote population cannot be managed by any means. If some animals are removed, they are replaced within a year. The coyote population in Massachusetts is stable; it is neither growing nor decreasing.
Q: How can I prevent conflicts with coyotes?
A: Follow these tips:
- Do not provide food sources. NEVER intentionally feed coyotes and also make certain that you are not providing an inadvertent food source. Secure and stow all trash and recycling until the morning of pickup. Do not feed companion animals outside. Thoroughly clean bbqs and grills. Sweep up spilled bird seed or forgo bird feeders all together.
- Do not provide an enticing den. Close off crawl spaces under porches, sheds, etc.
- Protect companion animals. If your dog is in the backyard, stay close by. On walks, always keep your dog on a short leash. Bring a noise maker, stick or small pebbles with you. Avoid walks at dusk and dawn.
- Help coyotes learn to avoid people. If you have a regular coyote visitor who has lost their fear of people, install motion detector strobe lights or motion detector ultrasonic alarms (which humans cannot hear). Learn how to properly haze coyotes and do so whenever you can!
- Educate your neighbors.
Q: What should I do if I encounter a coyote?
A. Coyotes are usually afraid of humans. If you encounter one while hiking, in your yard, on the street, or anywhere, you should haze the animal. It is crucial that we all help to keep coyotes wild. If a coyote frequents your yard, have tennis balls, small pebbles, a noisemaker or a hose at the ready. You can also yell and wave your arms. Do not hurt the animal, but however you can, let the coyote know that they are not welcome around humans. The coyote will not become aggressive toward you. See this infographic for helpful tips on hazing and why it’s important.
Q: Where can I learn more?
A: Read more about coyotes on our website and order flyers to share information about preventing conflicts with coyotes See Project Coyote for a wealth of information. Also see MassWildlife’s resources on coyotes.
