NATICK, Mass. —
Coyotes, for the third time in a little over two weeks, attacked a dog on Wednesday, police said.

coydog

The Metrowest Daily News reports three coyotes attacked a springer spaniel around 11 a.m. in the Hunnewell Town Forest. The dog is expected to survive, police spokeswoman Lt. Cara Rossi said.

A professional walker lost sight of the dog, which was off its leash.

“She began to hear the cries of the dog and she ran toward the sound,” said Rossi. “She saw three coyotes attacking the dog. She began throwing rocks and sticks at the coyotes to get them to run away.”

The two smallest coyotes ran off, but a larger one stayed and watched the woman as she gathered up the springer spaniel and ran from the woods.

The dog was taken to a local animal hospital, where it is being treated for injuries to its stomach.

Wednesday’s attack was the third known attack of a dog in town. On Jan. 30, a coyote killed a dog on Terrace Road. A few days later, on Feb. 2, a dog was killed by three coyotes on Border Road.

“This is starting to be a problem,” Rossi said.

On Monday, several residents attended the Board of Selectmen’s meeting to discuss the attacks. The town had met with a problem-animal specialist who estimated there were as many as 10 coyotes in the area.

The town has also received varied feedback on killing coyotes. Selectmen on Monday said they worry about indiscriminately killing them, but asked acting Town Administrator Bill Chenard to have the problem-animal specialist try to identify problem coyotes, such as ones who are not afraid of humans.

Rossi said people should take precautions and make sure no animals are left alone outside and to make sure no food is available to attract coyotes.

Author: mkmcst

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