A coyote that had been seen biting backyard furniture in Haverhill, Massachusetts, later attacked a man near a child’s birthday party, the man told The Cool Down. The incident took place on a recent afternoon, and the man said he is glad his fight-or-flight response kicked in, with fight as his initial reaction.
I checked The Cool Down’s report and confirmed that the man described seeing the coyote acting oddly earlier in the day, before it lunged at him as he stood near the party area. He suffered bites and scratches but was able to fight the animal off, and the coyote ran away before authorities could locate it.
What the attack means for Massachusetts homeowners
Coyotes are widespread across Massachusetts, and the state’s wildlife agency advises that attacks are rare but can happen when animals lose their fear of people. A coyote that chews on furniture, loiters near yards, or shows no hesitation around humans may be habituated or sick, and the state says residents should never approach one.
MassWildlife recommends removing food sources such as pet bowls, birdseed, and unsecured trash, which draw coyotes closer to homes. The agency also says to haze bold coyotes with loud noises or thrown objects, and to keep small children and pets indoors when coyotes are spotted. I pulled up the agency’s coyote page, and it lists these steps alongside a warning that feeding coyotes, even unintentionally, can lead to aggressive encounters.
For homeowners in Haverhill and across the state, the key takeaway is to report any coyote that bites furniture or acts unafraid. MassWildlife asks residents to call local animal control or environmental police, and to avoid turning your back if a coyote approaches. Knowing how to deter coyotes from your property before an encounter happens can make a difference, and if one ever gets inside, there are specific steps to follow to get it out safely.
The man in this case told The Cool Down he was treated at a hospital and is recovering, and the attack remains under investigation by local officials.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
