Coyotes in Sudbury
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COYOTES IN SUDBURY
Coyotes are here – and they’re here to stay. Fisher cats have also been sighted. They are in New England; they are in Massachusetts; they are in Sudbury. Because of all the building, the forested areas are slowly evaporating, and we are encroaching on the territory of ALL wildlife – not just coyotes. So, although once, if a wild animal was seen during daylight hours it was suspected of having rabies or other diseases, this is no longer the case.
Residents are urged to enjoy the wildlife by watching them, but NOT by feeding them, leaving trash out overnight, or having birdfeeders on low poles. It is also imperative that residents do NOT leave small dogs, cats or children outdoors alone.
Statistics do not show that coyotes normally attack humans, but there have been documented cases of such. On the other hand, there have been numerous statistics showing that coyotes WILL attack cats and small dogs. We have just recently had a case of a 65-pound Chow mix dog being attacked and killed during the night in North Sudbury, in the opinion of authorities, by a coyote. This is the second large dog believed to be killed in Sudbury this year by a coyote.
Residents are asked to report to the Board of Health (978-443-2209, ext. 1379) or Animal Inspector Paula Adelson (978-443-2578) any and all attacks, or wildlife acting strangely with suspicion of being rabid. For further information you may consult the following website: Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us
M. Valente, Town Manager
R. Leupold, Director of Health