For the second time in two years, Springfield officials have issued a warning about coyotes in Forest Park.
A file photo of an Eastern Coyote. Springfield officials are warning visitors of Forest Park to watch out for coyotes after evidence was found of them in the park.SPRINGFIELD - The head of city parks on Thursday issued an advisory to warn patrons of Forest Park about the discovery of "coyote activity" there.
Patrick Sullivan, Springfield executive director of Parks, Facilities and Recreational Management, said the advisory is intended as a precaution and not meant to cause alarm.
Parents, however, should keep a close eye on small children, and all dogs should be leashed at all times, he said.
Parents should also instruct their children not to go near wild animals in the park, and not to feed coyotes.
"When wild animals are fed they lose their natural fear of people and become more aggressive," Sullivan said. "Feeding wild animals puts the animal, yourself and your neighbors at risk."
He said Parks Department employees have discovered evidence of continued activity by coyotes. The department was also contacted about the discovery of what turned out to be deer meat along trails in the park.
The department will be working with the state Fisheries and Wildlife to determine if there is a coyote den somewhere inside the park.
The department will be coordinating with all park staff to report any sightings to the authorities.
People living in the vicinity of the park should also make sure to clean up trash and secure trash barrels on their property.
Coyotes have been known to go after cats and small dogs, as well as garbage cans, compost, pet food and fruit found on residential properties.
If the public has any information, please contact (413) 787-6441.
This is the second time in three years the city has issued a coyote warning for Forest Park. In 2009, coyotes were blamed for killing a deer inside the park.
In recent years, there have been an increase in coyote activity in suburban and even urban areas across the state. Last July, coyotes were blamed for the deaths of three cats in the Florence section of Northampton.
Eastern coyotes are between 48 and 60 inches long and weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. They have been known to attack dogs weighing up to 25 pounds.