Coyotes under the gun
Fed sharpshooters hired for another year
The federal agent sharpshooters hired by Nahant to kill aggressive coyotes have taken out one coyote, according to officials who said the town has not received any reports of aggressive coyote behavior since the wildlife management program started.
The town a few months ago hired trained rifle experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to destroy a hostile coyote pack. The aggressive coyotes in Nahant have attacked dog walkers and their pets.
After visiting Nahant twice since November, Wildlife Services experts have removed one coyote, according to the town’s Board of Selectmen in an update on Wednesday.
“Since the management program started, the Town has received no reports of aggressive behavior by coyotes toward humans or leashed animals,” the town added in its update. “However, the impact full of the management project is not clear at this time.
“Therefore, the Town and USDA have agreed to extend the Agreement for one year, starting March 1, should additional wildlife management be required,” the town said.
Nahant is the first community in Massachusetts to hire U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services agents to take out habituated coyotes.
The town’s issue with coyotes came to the forefront over the summer, as aggressive coyotes attacked multiple dogs and surrounded dog walkers. The town has received three reports in the last year of a coyote taking a pet off its leash while under the control of its owner.
In the fall, several residents reported being surrounded by a pack of aggressive coyotes while they were walking with their pets.
Officials estimate that there are six to 12 coyotes in the very small community — more than what MassWildlife considers typical for a 1-square-mile suburban environment.
The Town reminded residents that coyote pupping season peaks this month, and that coyotes can become particularly territorial and aggressive during this time.
“Countless communities across the state face issues with habituated coyotes and problem animals, and the other legal options are not effective,” Board Chairman Gene Canty said in a statement. “As a board we will continue to educate residents on the importance of coexisting with coyotes as we work toward finding a balance that maintains public safety.”