You Know Boston Has Finally Gone To The Dogs When ...
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A severely injured coyote was tranquilized and then euthanized
yesterday morning after it was spotted limping through the streets of
Dorchester, authorities said.
Boston Animal Control received a report of an injured coyote running
through backyards on Hartford Street about 8:30 a.m. yesterday. The
coyote was later found in a yard behind 100 Wayland St., a short
distance from the original sighting.
A veterinarian from the Franklin Park Zoo was called to the scene and
was able to tranquilize the male coyote. Because of the severity of
the injury, the animal was then euthanized, an animal control official
said.
Charles Rudack, director of Boston Animal Control, said coyote
sightings are increasingly common in the city.
“In the last three weeks, we’ve probably had anywhere between three to
eight calls per day for coyotes,’’ Rudack said.
He said the increase is due in part to the time of year. The animals’
breeding season is from January to March, and they tend to be more
visible then, he said.
Rudack said the euthanized coyote may have been struck by a car,
resulting in an injury that left its hind leg dragging. The animal’s
carcass will be taken to the state lab in Jamaica Plain, where it will
be tested for rabies. The coyote was not reported to have come in
contact with any people.
Rudack urged people to be on the lookout for coyotes and other
creatures.
“Stay clear of all wildlife, whether it be coyotes, raccoons, possums,
whatever,’’ Rudack advised. “They might look nice, but they’re
unpredictable. Appreciate them from a distance.’’
Rudack said people should also remember to leash their dogs.
“Oftentimes, if an animal comes in contact with the wildlife, it’s
because [the pet] is off leash,’’ he said. “Had the dogs been on
leash, they wouldn’t have come in contact.’’
By Stefanie Geisler, Globe Correspondent | February 4, 2010
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/04/injured_coyote_euthanized_in_dorchester/