WESTBOROUGH, Mass. - Whether you’re walking a trail, out in your backyard, or just about anywhere in the state, Masswildlife said this is a time where coyotes can be more active and vocal, but there are some things we can do to prevent unexpected encounters.

What You Need To Know

  • Coyote mating season runs from late January through early March

  • MassWildlife recommends protecting your pets, removing human-associated food sources from your property, and hazing coyotes

  • Negative encounters with coyotes are rare, according to MassWildlife, and human-coyote attacks are exceptionally rare

  • If a coyote is exhibiting concerning behavior, you should contact your local Animal Control or MassWildlife office

“Coyotes can be found in every city in town in mainland Massachusetts," MassWildlife community engagement biologist Meghan Crawford said. "So if you live in a city in down in mainland Massachusetts, you are currently living alongside coyotes and you should take steps to prevent conflict.”

Coyote mating season runs from late January through early March. Crawford said MassWildlife sees increased aggression from coyotes during mating season, especially toward pets.

“Most importantly, directly supervising them whenever they're outside, ideally on a six foot or shorter leash," Crawford said. "It's really that human presence that is next to their pets that's going to prevent any sort of conflict and keep those coyotes wary and keeping their distance.”

When it comes to food sources, Crawford calls coyotes 'opportunistic omnivores', saying they’ll eat a little bit of anything.

“We as people are unfortunately very good at accidentally feeding them. So, take steps to secure your trash and close your compost," Crawford said. "Take in any outdoor pet food, anything that might be attracting them to your home, things like unprotected backyard chickens, even bird feeders.

MassWildlife said coyotes are naturally wary of people, but their fear of humans can lessen the more they spend time around us and they recommend scaring coyotes away without hurting them.

“If you do see a coyote in your backyard, we encourage you to haze that coyote," Crawford said. "And that's just you stepping outside, reminding that coyote to be cautious by walking toward that animal, waving your hands above your head, throwing things in that animal's direction. So, speaking coyotes’ language to chase it out of your territory, just like another coyote chases other coyotes out of their territory.”

Crawford said following mating season, it turns to denning season when coyote parents will produce pups and start caring for them, which lasts through the late spring.