A routine dog walk near the Fox Hill trail entrance on Tall Tree Drive in Beverly turned ugly Monday night when a coyote attacked a dog, according to local police. Responding officers quickly found a coyote and several pups denning roughly 30 feet from the trail entrance. Police say the situation is not being treated as an immediate threat to public safety, but they are urging anyone who uses the trail to stay alert and keep pets leashed in wooded areas.
In a post on Facebook, the Beverly Police Department confirmed the active coyote presence near the Fox Hill trail and reminded residents not to approach or disturb any coyotes or their dens. The department is asking people to report aggressive behavior to local authorities and to use extra caution when walking dogs in nearby woods and parks.
Why coyotes are active now
This is prime denning and birthing season for coyotes, which means adults are more visible, more protective, and more likely to act defensively near pups or dens. The state’s wildlife agency notes that keeping distance from dens and removing food attractants are key steps to avoiding conflict. It also recommends humane hazing techniques, which are used to re‑establish a healthy fear of humans in coyotes that are getting too comfortable. For more on seasonal behavior and safe coexistence, see the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife "Living With Coyotes" fact sheet.
How to walk safely near Fox Hill
Local officials say a few basic habits can significantly cut down the risk of run ins. Keep dogs on short leashes, do not let small pets wander near brush or suspected den sites, and never try to move or tamper with a den. Neighbors and local outlets have reported similar daytime sightings around the North Shore and Greater Boston this spring, and those accounts line up with MassWildlife advice to haze bold coyotes by making loud noises, waving arms, or using air horns, and by locking down trash and pet food. Recent regional coverage that described how a coyote pack corners Brookline dog walker underscores the same prevention and hazing tips officials are stressing in Beverly.
When to report aggressive animals
If a coyote is actively aggressive or someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For non‑emergency situations, residents can contact Beverly Police at (978) 922‑1212 or Animal Services at (978) 605‑2361. If an animal appears sick, is unusually bold, or has bitten a person or pet, state guidance directs residents to reach out to the Massachusetts Environmental Police or MassWildlife for advice on what to do next. Details on when and how to report are available from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Police say they will continue to keep an eye on the trails around Fox Hill while the coyotes are denning. Anyone who spots a coyote acting aggressively or notices a den very close to public paths is encouraged to report it so officials can track activity and share safety updates as needed. For local alerts and contact information, visit the Beverly Police Department.
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