Coyote Incident on November 14

On November 14, 2019 at approximately 5 p.m., a regular of Fresh Pond was walking on the main paved path by the Fresh Pond Golf course with their dogs.  One of the dogs was an older chihuahua that was walking behind its owner.  During this time, a coyote came out of the wooded area between the golf course and the main path and took the chihuahua.  Unfortunately, after an extensive search by the Park Ranger and two Animal Control Officers neither the dog or the coyote could be found.  The search was eventually called off due to unsafe conditions.  

The Massachusetts Environmental Police were made aware of the incident.  

We have no reason to believe that coyotes in the area will act aggressively toward a human being or even a large-breed dog. Fresh Pond Reservation is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk for the safety of the public.  To avoid risk of exposure to wildlife, such as coyotes, use of the Fresh Pond Reservation should be only during daylight hours. 

Coyotes are protected by Mass Wildlife and the Environmental Police should be called for problems with coyotes.  For problems in Cambridge with coyotes, the public can also reach out to the Rangers at The Fresh Pond Reservation or Cambridge Animal Control.

Coyotes are regularly observed in West Cambridge and at Fresh Pond Reservation.  Coyotes are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will feed on whatever is most readily available and easiest to obtain.  They typically hunt between dusk and dawn. Coyotes are by nature crepuscular (not nocturnal or diurnal, they hunt chiefly after dusk and before dawn).   

For more information please visit mass.gov for tips to avoid conflicts with coyotes.