A coyote has taken an owner's cat, right in their backyard, during the day. Please take whatever cautionary measures are needed to ensure the safety of your pets.
Should I be Afraid?
Coyotes are naturally afraid of people. However, be aware that coyotes can become habituated to people.
A habituated coyote may exhibit an escalation in bold behavior around people. Behaviors exhibited that indicate the coyote has lost its fear of people are when it:
does not run off when harassed or chased,
approaches pets on a leash, and/or
approaches and follows people.
Dial 911 if an immediate threat exists to human life and limb.
Coyotes taking pets are not considered an immediate threat to human safety.
The Town of Plymouth has two full-time Animal Control Officers located at 2199 State Road (near Shaws Super Market), in the Cedarville section of Plymouth (508-888-1186). A Plymouth Animal Control Officer has the authority to respond and dispatch the animal.
What Can I Do?
Here are a few facts about 'removing' a coyote that you should know;
The coyote can be removed by a licensed PAC (Problem Animal Control) agents if it is;
endangering the life and health of humans or domestic animals;
damaging the property of a person,
obstructing the reasonable and comfortable use of property by the owner or tenant thereof
or otherwise producing such material annoyance, inconvenience, and discomfort that can reasonably be presumed to result in damage or hurt to persons or their property.
A coyote may not be removed simply because of its presence in an area, there must be damage or a threat to human safety by a specific animal.
The only solution to a problem coyote is to have it lethally removed. It is against state law to capture and release coyotes into another area.
