How to protect people from coyotes in Massachusetts | Coyote

How to protect people from coyotes

Photo accompanying step 1

Coyote threat response diagram - what to do about coyotes

Coyotes rarely attack people, but as their numbers increase and they move into more urban areas, attacks on people are increasing. To protect yourself and your family:

  • Never leave small children unattended in the yard
  • Coyotes look very much like dogs, especially to small children. Teach children to recognize coyotes and to go inside the house (do not run) or climb up on a swing or deck and yell if they are approached. They should never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially one that looks anything like a coyote
  • If followed or approached by a coyote, do not run or turn your back. Act aggressively by shouting, waving arms or throwing objects to reinforce the threat. Carrying an air horn or pepper spray may be considered for those seeking further protection
  • Report any coyote behaving aggressively toward people (e.g., approaching people for food, attacking leashed pets, stalking children, chasing joggers or bikers, etc.) to local police and your state wildlife agency
  • If an adult or child is attacked, scratched, or bitten, contact your doctor and local health department for treatment advice and contact the state wildlife agency to assess the situation and take appropriate action

Coyotes causing severe damage to pets or livestock, or posing a threat to public health and safety, may be removed using regulated in-season trapping and hunting methods, or outside the season through special permits issued by state wildlife agencies to professional nuisance wildlife trappers. Trapping coyotes requires advanced training and trapping skills and traps need to be set and checked in accordance with state laws.

Legal, Regulated Hunting in Massachusetts

Legal, Regulated Hunting in Massachusetts

The use of legal, regulated, hunting by licensed hunters can be useful for reducing local wildlife populations and can help reduce nuisance problems in Massachusetts. You can allow hunters on to your property, provide a place for them to park to access nearby forest, and/or give them permission to hunt within 500 feet of your residence. Please also keep in mind that each town may have additional by-laws that restrict hunting and the discharge of firearms.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Massachusetts

Legal, Regulated Hunting

The use of legal, regulated, hunting by licensed hunters can be useful for reducing local wildlife populations and can help reduce nuisance problems in Massachusetts. You can allow hunters on to your property, provide a place for them to park to access nearby forest, and/or give them permission to hunt within 500 feet of your residence. Please also keep in mind that each town may have additional by-laws that restrict hunting and the discharge of firearms.

Legal, Regulated Trapping

The use of legal, regulated, trapping by licensed trappers can be useful for reducing local wildlife populations and can help reduce nuisance problems in Massachusetts.

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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