Hingham Animal Control Officer Offers Tips on How to Deal with Coyotes

By Carol Britton Meyer

Following the recent reporting of two coyote-related incidents in neighboring Cohasset involving attacks on dogs and a dog owner, Hingham Animal Control Officer Leslie Badger reached out to the community to share information in a continuing effort to educate Hingham residents.

"We have received the normal amount of calls about coyote sightings that we get every year in Hingham," Badger said, "but I am not aware of any actual coyote attacks this summer on humans or pets that were reported officially to us at Animal Control/Hingham Police Department.

That said,  "I cannot stress enough to always be aware of your surroundings -- in your yard and out on trails -- and to supervise small children and pets," Badger advised.

The ACO webpage on the town website includes a video of a panel of wildlife experts having an in-depth conversation about coyotes, a link to report sightings considered serious concerns, and other information.

MassWildlife also offers tips for keeping coyotes away from your house.

​Residents are asked not to call 911 or the police station business line to report seeing
a coyote unless there is an emergency or immediate threat to humans.  The Hingham Police Department and the ACO log all sightings reported in a central location to address any threats appropriately.