Police Warn About Coyotes Following Attack

A medium-sized coyote attacked a North Reading resident’s dog on Tuesday.

North Reading Police are asking residents to “take precautions when leaving pets unattended outside.”

The attack occurred on Haverhill Street near Foley Drive. The coyote appeared from the wood line and immediately attacked a medium-sized dog. The dog’s owner thwarted the attack and brought the dog inside.

The coyote stayed in the yard “for some time” after the attack, according to police.

The dog suffered minor injuries to its rear legs and is expected to be OK. North Reading Animal Control has initiated quarantine procedures for the injured dog as a precaution. Police also contacted the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

If you see a coyote, you can contact the North Reading Police at 978-664-3131 or North Reading Animal Control at 978-664-3807.

Mass Wildlife offers these tips to keep your property less attractive to coyotes:

• Secure your garbage
• Don’t feed or try to pet coyotes
• Keep your pets safe
• Keep bird feeder areas clean
• Keep pets indoors
• Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds
• Don’t let coyotes intimidate you
• Cut back brushy edges in your yard
• Protect livestock and produce
• Educate your neighbors

Here are 8 Things to Know About Coyotes.