Coyotes Visiting,
Watch Your Pets

I have lived on Hebard Hill Rd. in Randolph for 14 years. While I realize that many animals inhabit the woods, typically, I see very few of them in my yard, with the exception of birds, deer, squirrels and chipmunks.

About three months ago, at 6:30 p.m., an animal (which I at first thought was a grey fox, based on its size) strolled down a path in the woods and up the side of my yard. When I went out on the deck to observe him he turned and ran off the way he had come (towards Rt. 66).

Soon after that sighting, I noticed scat in my yard. Since I have had a problem with moles this summer, I made the assumption that the "fox" I had spotted was visiting my yard regularly with his friends (I have found as many as five piles of scat on my lawn in the morning), to dine on the moles. My hope was that when the moles were all consumed—as they seem to be now—the "foxes" would disappear as well.

About a month ago, at 6:15 a.m., I heard an indescribable noise out in my yard. I ran out on my deck and discovered two "foxes" (which I now realize were coyotes) attacking my cat, Duncan. I called to Duncan (who was physically unharmed) and he ran towards the house. When the coyotes saw me they hesitated, and then exited my yard, heading towards the path through the woods.

Unfortunately, I continue to find almost daily evidence that coyotes are visiting my yard. I am now keeping Duncan in the house early in the morning and, of course, after dark. Please be aware that coyotes have taken up residence in the neighborhood and keep your animals safe.

Sarah Hartwell

Hebard Hill

Randolph