Coyotes reportedly killed several dogs in Saugus

Saugus officials are warning pet owners to take precautions amid a series of coyote attacks that have reportedly left four people dead.

In recent weeks, the city has received several reports of confrontations between coyotes and small dogs, as well as unwanted interactions between coyotes and humans, City Manager Scott Crabtree and Saugus Animal Control said in an advisory public earlier this month. Animal Control Officer Darren McCullough did not respond to requests for comment.

According to The daily articlecoyotes recently attacked six dogs in Saugus, and four of those dogs died. Each attack reportedly took place between dusk and 10 p.m., the newspaper reported.

Lisa Webster, whose 8-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel “Sparky” was attacked in her backyard and died minutes later, described the “traumatic” moment in an interview with WBZ.

“The coyote came right behind me, I didn’t even see it coming,” Webster told the outlet.

Crabtree and Saugus animal control officials urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets in light of increased coyote activity.

“Residents are encouraged to be extra vigilant of their surroundings as coyotes seek out food sources to build up before winter,” they said in their advisory.

The city also shared several tips for keeping coyotes away. First and foremost: securing trash cans, removing outside food sources, and never leaving a dog outside alone, especially early in the morning and evening.

The Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife (MassWildlife) recommends “hazing” coyotes to help reinforce their natural fear of humans.

“Let the coyote know it is not welcome by making loud noises such as blasting an air horn, spraying it with a hose, or throwing small objects near it and physically chasing it away,” MassWildlife advises. “The goal is to scare the animal, not to hurt it.”

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Abby Patkin is a general-purpose reporter whose work covers transit, crime, health, and everything in between.

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