Nahant, MA - A small coastal town on the north shore, is one of the most geographically isolated communities in the state, and has unfortunately become infested with coyotes. Increasingly evident in recent years, the overpopulation of coyotes has become a public safety concern. 

Coyotes have been stalking and attacking local pets, dogs and cats - and are even a threat to small children and people alike. They are predatory animals, with uncontrollable behavior and will attack unprovoked. A Nahant resident myself, my dog was attacked, slaughtered, and taken by a coyote in front of me on June 6th, 2022 - he was on-leash and only steps away from our front door. 

To date, local administrators, local animal control, and law enforcement have not taken the appropriate legislative steps and measures to address the issue of coyote overpopulation, and more importantly, prioritize the safety of residents and their pets. 

Connected to the mainland by a long causeway, Nahant is a peninsula surrounded by ocean with only one entry and exit to enter the town itself. Over recent years, coyotes have crossed into the territory in search of food. During their breeding season, which occurs in springtime, coyotes give birth – with the usual litter consisting of 4 to 8 pups. As the coyote population grows within a suburban community, so, too, does the threat to small pets and children.

State wildlife officials are stating that coyotes can thrive in almost any environment, including places close to people. Nahant, a residential neighborhood, is not a dense wilderness - and residents are being told that coyotes are legally protected. Coyotes have made the local golf course, public parks, and our residential backyards their personal environment and feeding habitat. They are increasingly desensitized to humans, becoming more comfortable in our local town, being surrounded by people, and thus attacking residents and household pets - their new food source.

There have been numerous reported instances of coyote sightings, attacks, press releases on the matter, PAC (Problem Animal Control) agents being called from nearby towns in a desperate attempt from us Nahant residents to help with this public safety issue, which is legitimately traumatizing the town's residents. 

With respect to the current Wildlife regulations in place, we petition the Town of Nahant to take action and consider all measures necessary in order to allow for effective removal and control of the coyote overpopulation on the peninsula. 

We request local town Administrators to raise the issue to the appropriate parties and state legislators to ensure the proper actions are put in place to control the coyote population and protect the safety of local residents and their pets. 

UPDATE: Recent press release - https://www.itemlive.com/2022/06/09/nahant-is-dealing-with-wily-coyotes/

*** This petition has been created to raise awareness and foster community support. Monetary donations are not being requested. We kindly ask to simply share the link in order to spread awareness and help address the issue at hand on a greater scale ***