Some in Nahant worry coyote population threatens pets

NAHANT, Mass. — It is one of the most geographically isolated communities in the state. But that hasn’t stopped coyotes from making themselves at home in Nahant.

“It almost seems like we are overloaded with coyotes,” said Paul Ford, a lifelong resident of the North Shore town. “I see them all the time when I’m walking my dog. Occasionally, we’ll be walking and a coyote will slip out of someone’s driveway. We see them walking down the street, mainly at dusk.”

Connected to the mainland by a long causeway, Nahant would seem a difficult place for coyotes to discover. But the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife assures every community in Massachusetts has an established coyote population – save for Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

And of all the communities in metropolitan Boston, Nahant is the least densely populated – with numerous wild habitats where coyote colonies can thrive.

Of course, coyotes can thrive in almost any environment, state wildlife officials say – including places close to people.

Suzanne Walsh can attest to that. The Nahant resident has had several coyote encounters in recent weeks while walking her dog, Fraya.

“I was approached along Nahant Road,” Walsh said. “One jumped out of the sea grass. And not aggressively. Just stood there and kind of checked me out for a few minutes. On another occasion, there was a herd of them. And they were just watching. From what I understand, if they sense weakness or a smaller person with a smaller dog, then they are more apt to group and do something.”

Nahant Police tell Boston 25 News they received one call about a coyote sighting on a beach, but no word of any attacks. But some worry that it could be only a matter of time. In spring, coyotes give birth – with the usual litter consisting of 4 to 8 pups. As the coyote population grows within a suburban community, so, too, does the threat to small pets.

Ford understands that concern, but while he initially felt threatened by the coyotes, his numerous sightings have served to desensitize him to possible danger.

“I feel like why get upset?” Ford said. “Let them live. But a lot of people won’t agree with me on that.”

But Suzanne Walsh would.

“My feeling is, if we’re responsible pet owners and we’re aware and treat coyotes with respect, we’ll all get along fine,” she said.

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