| Coyote Bothering Your Neighborhood? |
Coyotes have been a major issue on the Cape ever since the first dens were found here in 1986. Unfortunately they are hunted without restrictions and many are killed because people do not know all the facts about these animals. Their breeding season is from February to March and their litters are usually 4 to 6 pups. The only reason a coyote has ever attacked a human is either because of rabies or in search of food.
The best thing to do to make sure your neighborhood is safe from coyotes is to never feed one. They are not aggressive animals but when they are fed by humans they become unafraid and eventually dependent. In 1998 a small boy in Sandwich was bitten by a coyote because it had grown accustomed to food it was being given, and attacked when it found none. Also keep the lids tight on any trash cans and never leave food outside. If in any case you are bitten by a coyote report the injury to a hospital and it will notify the State Department of Health. You will have a series of rabies shots done, which happen to be expensive and painful. Never approach a coyote in daylight because it is an unusual time for them to be out and may signify having rabies.
However if you find yourself next to a coyote there are a few things you should know. If the coyote is in a crouched position where he is snarling and with his tail between his legs that means he is in a defensive position. If he is baring his teeth but standing erect with his tail raised above his body he is in an offensive position. When he is in an offensive position do not make any sudden movements and worst of all, run. Back away very slowly and do not make any eye contact. If found in a defensive position he will not attack unless he feels very threatened, most likely he will not even move. You can walk away s at a brisk pace and do not worry that he will attack.
It is extremely rare that a coyote would ever hurt a human but be sure to keep all pets inside at night. These animals are being slaughtered in mass amounts and hunted without state license or permit and contests for killing coyotes are held in many states. What is happening to this precious resource is morally wrong, we can control this problem on Cape Cod but the solution is not killing.
Where you can Find Coyotes are Found In the World