…don’t act like food. It’s not just a good idea, it’s the law.
Except of course in Massachusetts and similar places, where acting like food is pretty much the law. So how’s that coyote issue going?
Swampscott police said they got a call around 9:30 p.m. from a resident who said they were walking their dog on Rockyledge Road when a large group of coyotes surrounded them and wouldn’t back down.
When police arrived, they said they saw at least nine coyotes. The coyotes were scared off by the arrival of the police cruisers and the stroble (sic) lights. Officers escorted the resident and their dog back to their home without further incident, but police are now warning residents to be aware of their surroundings when walking at night when coyotes are most active.
Meanwhile here in actual coyote country I rarely ever see a coyote and virtually never while I’m on foot. And I rarely see coyote sign near where I live. Maybe it’s my bad breath. Maybe not.
When you don’t teach predators to be afraid of the scent of humans…A lot of stupid people out there.
I understand dealing with coyote packs because I run into them on a regular basis. I also run into bears, deer and other wildlife too. Living in rural Ontario, Canada, I can’t legally carry a handgun, but, I do carry pepper spray, a pen size flare launcher with a bear banger loaded in it, and an ash quarter staff. Unlike the residents of Swampscott, Massachusetts, I understand that I’m the one responsible for my safety.
Calling the police is fine, if you are ready to watch your dog get mauled to death while you wait.
“They”…that’s some mighty fine journalism there! Wouldn’t want to find out a little thing like the sex of the person involved!
I hate this world.
Me doing the best I can to make sure our local predators fear all humans, or die in the receipt of said lesson…
Those coyotes may have had breeding on their minds more than eating anyone, except maybe another dog, such as the one being walked. Stupid people.
When I lived in Delta Junction, Alaska we got a dog that was half coyote. The musher had tied her mom outside the dog yard because he didn’t want her bred. The coyote took advantage. Our coyo dog made a good sled dog and a good pet when we moved to a location that made recreational mushing impractical. Here we are retired and often hear the coyotes singing at night. We do keep the little Yorkies in if they sound close because coyotes could easily jump our three foot dog fence.
In an expanded version of the story, it read that police advised some things you could do to safely walk your dog like being aware of your surroundings, carrying pepper spray or a SQUIRT GUN.
Still laughing about that one. massholes get what they deserve. too bad its the dog that will suffer.
We are in the near suburbs of a small midwest town by lake Michigan, there are some coyotes and some foxes running about the neighborhood, but like others have mentioned, they stay away from humans and for the most part don’t mess with pets. The bumper crop of mice, rabbits, possums raccoons and birds seem to be enough. Will see what happens by mid winter.
Do you suppose they will take their Chihuahua to a few analyst sessions to alleviate the trauma?
Might take more than a few. 😉
A few years ago we made a dumb mistake. We were camping at Zion NP and went to a night movie. We walked back and it was dark and I didn’t have a flashlight with me. Entered the park over the bridge and while headed towards the Campground we were in the midst of a dozen or more coyotes. We could hear them and see them if they were close but could do nothing about them. Luckily they were there to rummage through the trash and we kept walking, my wife holding for dear life and finally made it to the campground where there was some light. I carry a small flashlight all the time now.
@OneGuy – Unless that’s a .45 caliber small flashlight it’s only a “psychological comfort device.” Photons are nice but Finality comes from lead.
When we moved into our very rural place in NW Tennessee we were overwhelmed with coyote and raccoons. After two years of very unhappy nights I bought a Great Pyrenees pup.
Raccoons disappeared in about four months and I haven’t seen a coyote anywhere near the place.
It’s Tobie marking his domain.
This, too, would be a great ‘either these curtains go or I do’ post.
Pour out a little for Remus, everyone.