By Bridget Turcotte
NAHANT — The Nahant Police Department reported a confirmed coyote sighting in the East Point area of town.
In a statement, police said the sighting is nothing to be alarmed about, but urged residents to prevent further interactions with the animals by making their homes less of an attraction to them.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife recommends residents do not approach, feed, pet, or try to interact with wildlife, including coyotes, foxes or other wild animals, according to the statement.
Pets should be leashed if outdoors. Small cats and dogs are seen as prey and larger dogs as competition.
Coyotes can be scared or threatened with loud noises, bright lights or water sprayed from a hose.
Residents can cut back brushy edges that provide cover for coyotes and their prey. They can also secure their garbage in plastic containers with tight fitting lids. Trash should be taken outside when morning pick up is scheduled, not the night before.
Compost should be kept in secure, vented containers. Barbecue grills should be kept clean to reduce attractive odors, police said.
Bird feeders should be kept clean and seed should be kept off the ground. The seed can attract small animals for coyotes to prey on.
“While residents should not live in fear of coyotes, we do advise that those with small children and animals be vigilant while outdoors, and follow these safety tips to help prevent interactions with the animal,” according to the department.
Coyote sightings can be reported to the Nahant Police Department at 781-581-1212.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.