The Groveland Police Department is issuing an alert to the community after a resident walking his dog was approached by a pack of coyotes at Strawberry Fields.
The resident was not harmed, but the Police Department urges residents to remain vigilant.
Residents are encouraged to observe the following guidelines and safety tips from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife:
- Leash pets at all times if outdoors. Small cats and dogs are seen as prey and larger dogs, competition.
- Do not approach, feed, pet, or try to interact with coyotes.
- Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten coyotes with loud noises or bright lights.
- Cut back brushy edges, as these areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey.
- Secure your garbage. Coyotes raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and keep them in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash when the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost in secure, vented containers, and keep barbecue grills clean to reduce attractive odors.
- Keep bird feeder areas clean. Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts many small mammals coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard.
Coyotes and other wildlife are common in Groveland, and while human attacks are uncommon, they do occur.
For more information or to report an attack, call the Groveland Police Department at 978-521-1212 or dial 911 in case of emergency.
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Groveland Police Warn Residents of Coyotes at Strawberry Fields