Authorities in Brookline warned residents of an increased presence of coyotes, following an incident in which a dog was attacked by a pair of coyotes Monday, police said. The owner was able to free the dog and escape the area, police said Tuesday. They did not release the exact address of the attack.
Last October, residents of Saugus saw an increase in coyote encounters, frightening dog owners in the area.
Authorities said to maintain awareness and distance when encountering a coyote.
“Stay calm, stand tall, and make yourself heard,” the Brookline Police Department said in a statement.
Coyotes are “opportunistic feeders,” meaning they will eat whatever food is easiest to obtain, often from open garbage containers and pet food left outside, MassWildlife said.
As coyotes spend more time feeding on human-associated food, they may become more comfortable and bold toward people and domesticated pets, according to MassWildlife.
MassWildlife provided a list of actions to combat the threat of coyotes. They include removing food sources, including bird feeders, and securing trash cans. Pets should be fed indoors, kept on a leash, and supervised at all times when outdoors, the state advises.
Repeated “hazing” teaches a coyote to avoid people, the state says.
If confronted by a coyote, people should move toward it, waving their arms or clapping. Make a loud noise or, if possible, blow a whistle or sound an air horn, the state advises.
Sarah Mesdjian can be reached at sarah.mesdjian@globe.com. Follow her on X @sarahs_journal.