What options do residents have in regards to Coyotes on their property?

Answer

Recently coyotes have become a major concern to residents due to their more aggressive behavior and their attacks on domestic animals.

The Sudbury Police Department has been, and will continue, responding to calls for service regarding Coyote incidents. If a responding officer deems that a Coyote(s) is a threat to a resident or their property (to include their pets/livestock), the officer may destroy the animal if a safe situation presents itself.

Additionally, residents may themselves hunt, or allow others, to hunt Coyotes from November 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007, as long as they abide by all hunting laws. There is a two week period during deer hunting season starting November 28th where only deer is allowed to be hunted. These laws include, but are not limited to; no discharging of a firearm within 500 feet of another’s dwelling without written permission. Common sense dictates this only be accomplished in a safe manner.

For further information please visit the following websites:

Eastern Coyotes in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Department of Fisheries