On Saturday, a resident of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts was reportedly pursued by a pair of coyotes near Birchland Park Middle School and Mapleshade Elementary School. In response, the East Longmeadow Police Department issued a reminder of potential wildlife presence to its residents, as reported by MassLive.
Such interactions with coyotes are unusual, given their naturally elusive nature. With only ten reported incidents of coyote attacks to humans in Massachusetts in the last 60 years, as per MassAbudon. As expanding urban and suburban areas encroach upon their natural habitats, it becomes crucial for the locals to take necessary precautions.
A report by the City of East Longmeadow mentions that coyotes are opportunistic hunters, thriving on natural and man-made food sources. Therefore, limiting access to artificial foods such as pet food, garbage, birdseed, and compost, is our collective responsibility, as these attractants can lure these animals closer to our areas of living.
