Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 11, 2024 DOG WALKERS | FROM PAGE 1 in yard. Coyotes can scale a six-foot fence like nothing,” he said. McCullough said the recent rash of coyote attacks on dogs is the worst period the town has experienced in encounters involving coyotes and dog owners since he took over the Animal Control Department. “I don’t know if we’ve had reports of six total [coyote attacks on dogs] during the four years before these recent attacks,” McCullough said. “The coyotes are getting more brazen, attacking dogs who are out with their owners. People need to start harassing the coyotes. They need to throw rocks and sticks at them. They need to blow a whistle and make a lot of noise to scare them off. Harass them. Harass them. Harass them,” he said. Public education campaign underway McCullough has already collaborated with Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s office in beginning the education process. The town sponsored a special forum last month titled “Achieving Coexistence With Coyotes,” which was held at the Saugus Public Library. McCullough reached out to Dan Prouix, a Problem Animal Control Agent in Massachusetts with many years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and animal control, to attend the forum and offer tips on how to deal with the growing coyote population that calls Saugus home. McCullough had seen Prouix’s presentation previously and thought it would benefit Saugus. At the library forum, Prouix discussed 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. McCullough said this week that he hopes to have similar forums in the future, while noting there are plans to put a special video incorporating the public education and tips on the Town of Saugus website. The recent incidents involving dogs that died after being attacked by coyotes occurred on Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Dudley Street, Wickford Street, Basswood Avenue and Aberdeen Avenue, according to McCullough. He said the two dogs that survived were attacked on School Street and Clifton Avenue. “All of the attacks have occurred from dusk till 10 o’clock at night. All of them have occurred along the marsh area. No attacks were reported during the day, though coyotes have been seen around town during the day,” McCullough said. In addition to monitoring the attacks, McCullough has been monitoring the coyote activity throughout town. “The Baker Hill area and Bristow Street are probably the Number One and Two hot spots right now,” McCullough said. “I think there’s a bad coyote in the Baker Hill area. I’m probably going to put some signs up there,” he said. Concerns about the “habituated coyote” In most human encounters with coyotes, the coyotes will generally flee if the person starts harassing the animal. McCullough said that the “habituated coyote” – one that has grown used to people and spent time eating human-associated food – is the one to fear the most because it doesn’t run when harassed and is brazen in its encounters with people. This kind of coyote is so bold it will go after pets on a leash with the owner and will even approach and follow people. Special harnesses and vests with spikes are expensive, but effective ways to protect a dog from an aggressive coyote, McCullough said. There were 152 calls from the public involving coyote complaints in 2022, according to Saugus Canine Control Officer Darren McCullough (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Coyotes have killed four dogs in Saugus during the past three weeks. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) McCullough. The number of complaints this year through June was 24. McCullough said he believes that the number of overall complaints actually dipped because “the mange did a number on them.” Mange is a contagious skin disease caused by mites. But while the number of complaints may be fewer, there are growing concerns in recent weeks about violent attacks on dogs and aggressive behavior in spite of the dog owners being nearby. “People with dogs and cats need to educate themselves about the situation and take steps to protect their pets,” McCullough said. Residents with concerns or questions about coyotes should call Saugus Animal Control Officer Darren McCullough at 781521-3911 or at 781-231-4176. (Please see related story in this edition: “A Coyote Conversation Continued.”)
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