EDGARTOWN — Following a recent incident where a dog was bitten by a coyote on Jernegan Pond Road, local authorities are urging residents to take precautions to avoid wildlife conflicts.
The Edgartown Police Department and Animal Control, along with the Massachusetts Environmental Police, have investigated the case where the pet owners witnessed their dog being attacked.
The dog is currently recovering and receiving treatment for potential rabies exposure.
Coyotes are a common presence throughout Massachusetts, including urban areas, and their sightings are not confined to nighttime hours.
According to officials, the presence of coyotes during the day is not unusual and does not imply the animals are sick or a threat to human safety.
They are typically shy creatures that steer clear of humans.
In light of the attack, MassWildlife has offered advice to residents on how to minimize encounters with coyotes and protect their homes and pets.
Tips include securing trash bins, not feeding wild animals, keeping pets indoors or in secure areas, and maintaining clean bird feeding stations to prevent attracting smaller animals that coyotes might prey upon.
Residents are also advised to seal off spaces under porches and sheds where coyotes could shelter and to use deterrents like loud noises and bright lights to scare off any coyotes that venture too close to human habitation.
It is also important to protect livestock and remove any fallen produce that could attract these predators.
Authorities stress that only aggressive or sickly wildlife should prompt emergency calls.
To report such behavior or concerns, residents can contact the Edgartown Police Department at (508) 627-4343, the Dukes County RECC at (508) 693-1212, or the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 800-632-8075.
Non-emergency coyote sightings should not be reported via 911 or the police station hotline.
