Public concern regarding coyotes in the area has grown. In response, the Wareham Police Department's Animal Control Division, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, will host an educational seminar in the Town Hall Cafeteria Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Peter Teitelbaum, the Board of Selectmen chairman, introduced the topic was at the selectmen's meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

"It seems coyotes have taken center stage in our local news," Teitelbaum said.

At the selectmen's meeting, Teitelbaum said that seeing a coyote should not be reported to police. Conversely, attacks or aggressive behavior should be reported to the department.

"I just don't want the police to get inundated with coyote sightings because a sighting, in and of itself, is essentially meaningless," Teitelbaum explained.

Making noise was among the suggestions made by Teitelbaum to prevent coyotes attacks, stating, "you want to do some things that would cause a coyote to go somewhere else for an easier meal other than your dog... or cat."

"They're your neighbors. Just try to get along with them," Teitelbaum concluded.

As for the Nov. 26 meeting, Mass. Fisheries and Wildlife Supervisor Jason Zimmer, a noted coyote expert, will host the seminar as well as a question and answer session.

For more information contact Animal Control Officer Cheryl Gorveatt-Dill at 508-295-1212, ext. 2250.