Department of Natural Resources shares advice on coyotes
Mar 7, 2022
Coyotes have been sighted in Wareham, and many residents have called the Wareham Department of Natural Resources to report the animal, the department said. Photo courtesy: Wareham DNR Facebook
The Wareham Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents that even with the large coyote population in and around town, the mere presence of a coyote isn’t necessarily a major cause for concern.
“I know we sound like a broken record with this but we are receiving numerous calls regarding coyote sightings from town line to town line,” the department said in a Facebook post on March 2. “We appreciate the calls but there isn’t much we can reasonably do, there is an extremely large population throughout town and beyond.”
Like many other wildlife agencies, the department said it doesn’t have enough resources to help all wildlife that might show signs of mange, a contagious skin disease.
The department advised residents who see coyotes that looks like they’re physically injured to call the department at 508-291-3100 (3180) or email at dnr@wareham.ma.us. Residents are advised to leave a message describing the kind of suspected injury and where the coyote was last seen.
What residents shouldn’t do, the department emphasized, was call Wareham Police Department unless the coyote is aggressive or in an emergency situation. The department won’t shoot or trap coyotes just because residents are uncomfortable with the animal nearby, it said in the Facebook post.
“We have to coexist with wildlife,” the post reads. “These animals are just as likely to be seen in dense residential areas as they would in a suburban area or the woods, day or night.
“Simple steps such as reducing food sources like trash, bird feeders, and outdoor animal food, as well as keeping properties clean of brush and debris all help to discourage coyotes or other wildlife taking up residence in residential areas.”
