Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 20, 2024 The Pumpkins are coming! A conversation about coyotes T he “Pumpkin Truck” will arrive at First Congregational Church in Saugus Center tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 21) at 9 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help unload the truck. Volunteers are also needed to help staff the various shifts for the selling of pumpkins. In just one day, “The Orange Glow” – as some folks like to call it – will return to the church lawn on Hamilton Street which faces Saugus Town Hall. The Annual Pumpkin Patch will run from Sept. 21 through Halloween, Oct. 31. Pumpkins of all sizes will be displayed on the church lawn on Hamilton Street across from Saugus Town Hall and will be available for purchase every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Pumpkin Patch tradition has become a very popular autumn attraction to people passing through Saugus Center. Saugus is one of many communities receiving pumpkins from the Navajo Reservation near Farmington, N.M., working with a program called Pumpkin Patch USA, which coordinates the destination of the pumpkins. The church and the Navajo Reservation both benefit from the pumpkins. If you are interested in helping to unload the “Pumpkin Truck,” please contact Carl Spencer at 781-233-9196. “The Pumpkin Patch” offers a great way to get in the fall spirit. (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release the Town of Saugus issued this week.) T he Town of Saugus, Town Manager Scott Crabtree and Saugus “THE ORANGE GLOW” RETURNS TOMORROW: Church members and community volunteers from a previous year are shown unloading the “Pumpkin Truck.” Volunteers are needed on Sept. 21. Pumpkins of all sizes will be available for purchase at the First Congregational Church’s Pumpkin Patch on Hamilton Street in Saugus Center starting Sept. 21. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) DECADES OF ROCK | FROM PAGE 6 the audience who wanted to play along, and a few people took them up on this opportunity. “Trails and Sails” announced two free concerts: one last Saturday and one tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 21). Tomorrow’s concert will be the Fo’c’sle Four performing historic sea chanties from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on the upper lawn of the Iron Works. “Trails and Sails” continues into next week with free events in all the Essex County cities and towns. Printed booklets listing these offerings are available at the Iron Works Visitor Center and can also be found online at TrailsandSails.org. “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and “Born to Be Wild” written by Mars Bonfire, a member of Steppenwolf, and familiar as the theme song of the 1969 movie “Easy Rider,” set an energetic mood. The six band members performing SaturDECADES OF ROCK | SEE PAGE 21 RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM Animal Control are pleased to present “Achieving Coexistence With Coyotes” on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 6-7:45 p.m. at the Saugus Public Library (295 Central St.). Dan Prouix, a Problem Animal Control Agent in Massachusetts with many years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and animal control, will offer tips on how to deal with the growing coyote population that calls Saugus home. The presentation will be free and open to the public. Prouix will discuss coyote habitat and behavior, how to avoid conflicts between household pets and coyotes and what to do and who to call if you experience problems with coyotes or come across a sick or injured one. The overall goal of this program is to promote safe community coexistence with the local coyote population as well as to identify the benefits of having coyotes in the community. Seating will be limited and registration will be required. Registration is open and those interested can go to www. sauguspubliclibrary.org, click on the “Events” or “Upcoming Events” links on the library’s website, navigate to the event date and info, click on “Register” and register for the presentation. Saugus Canine Control Officer Darren McCullough has seen Prouix share his extensive knowledge about coyotes and thinks Saugonians will find the information helpful considering the large number of coyotes living in town. “It’s important to educate residents about coyotes and the steps that can be taken to avoid unwanted conflicts with these animals,” McCullough said. “I think this presentation will be very beneficial for those who attend.” During his four years as the town’s canine control officer, McCullough has received coyote-related calls from all over Saugus. Numerous cats have gone missing, with many suspected falling victim to coyotes. He’s dealt with coyotes snatching small dogs in front of their owners and has come across aggressive coyotes that even follow people. CoyTown will present “Achieving Coexistence With Coyotes” at the Saugus public Library on Tuesday night QUESTIONS ABOUT COYOTES? If you want answers, register for a special presentation sponsored by the Town of Saugus to be held Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Saugus Public Library. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) ote complaints have actually dipped a bit this year, which McCullough attributes in part to mange – a contagious skin disease caused by mites – taking a toll on the coyote population in Saugus. If you encounter a coyote that doesn’t run away and lurks nearby, McCullough recommended blasting an air horn or banging pots and pans together to encourage the animal to leave the area. The spray of a water hose or tossing projectiles, such as a ball or sticks, can also work well. McCullough emphasized the importance of NEVER intentionally feeding coyotes, which can condition the animals to living among people and desensitize their natural fear of humans. Another precaution, McCullough said, is to leash pets when outdoors or at least keep a close eye on them. Saugus residents with a coyote problem or concern should call McCullough at 781231-4176. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife shared the following frequently asked questions about coyotes: Where do coyotes live? Coyotes can be found in nearly every town and city in Massachusetts. They are adaptable to a wide range of habitats, including suburban, urban and rural areas. What should I do if I see a coyote? If you encounter a coyote in your backyard or neighborhood, you can help reinforce a coyote’s natural fear of humans by using hazing techniques. Let the coyote know that it is not welcome by making loud noises like blasting an air horn, spraying it with a hose or tossing small objects near it and physically chasing it away. The goal is to scare the animal away, not hurt it. Children should calmly leave the area (do not run) and find an adult to haze the coyote. Never attempt to touch, tame or feed a wild animal. Is it normal to see a coyote during the day? Yes. Coyotes primarily travel between dusk and dawn, but coyotes can be active 24 hours a day. Coyotes are seen more during the daytime in the spring and summer as they are giving birth and raising their young. They are more active and may be seen COYOTES | SEE PAGE 11
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