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Coyotes may have surrounded woman for food

Print | Comments () Posted by Beth Daley June 12, 2009 12:32 PM

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By Beth Daley, Globe Staff

Four coyotes that surrounded a frightened woman and her dogs in Groveland Monday may have been staking out their territory – or just looking for food, a state wildlife expert said.

A file photo of a coyote in a West Roxbury back yard (Globe photo/George Rizer)

Tom French of MassWildlife said the coyotes may have also been curious adolescents from last year’s litter traveling with or without their parents.

“Generally speaking with coyotes we don’t talk about packs,’’ said French. While wolves have extended families that travel together, coyote groups this time of year may be comprised of a parent and some females from last year - or just year-old adolescents. Pups born this year are probably too young to go hunting. Still, he added, “this is one of those behaviors when we think they are going too far.”

According to a story in today’s Globe by Stewart Bishop, Haverhill resident Mary Burke, 47, was walking her four Labrador retrievers at around 7 a.m. in Groveland, when she looked up and saw a coyote staring her down. Soon four surrounded her.

Burke eventually called 911 and slowly – and safely – was guided out of the woods.

But French says her experience is a good reminder. As wild animals increase in numbers, many are being fed – purposefully or going through trash – in backyards. As a result, they are becoming less frightened of people.

“They can start (linking) people with a food source,’’ said French. Of course, he added, he has no deeper knowledge of this situation.

French says animals control officers have the right to shoot coyotes in certain circumstances, but it does not happen often. There is also a hunting season of coyotes in the state.

I have often seen coyotes in my urban neighborhood. Where have you seen them?