Coyote Stalks Woman and Baby

SOUTH YARMOUTH - At approximately 7:45 AM multiple Yarmouth Police and Natural Resource officers responded to the area of Captain's Village when they received a report of a coyote attack. 

See Streaming Video at the end of this article

Karen Cogliano told HyannisNews that early this morning she was walking her 5 lb. pet dog with her 2 year old son in her normally quiet neighborhood of Captain’s Village. While enjoying the warm morning sun she suddenly became aware that they were being stalked by a coyote.  

The coyote actually approached within 2 feet of her son and may have actually brushed him.  Terrified, she grabbed her son and the dog. As she screamed for help, the coyote followed them up the street. Her father-in-law, Gerald Cogliano came to their aid and grabbed the dog while she held the baby.  As they then ran to their house through the yards, the coyote followed them.

The coyote made no actual threatening sounds or attempts to bite any of the Coglianos. Gerald Cogliano said the wild animal seemed to be more curious than anything else.  

Several Yarmouth Police cruisers and Natural Resource units responded to the scene including Yarmouth Police Chief Peter Carnes and Natural Resources Director Karl von Hone.

HyannisNews spoke briefly with Chief Carnes upon our arrival and he informed us that everyone was safe. Fortunately no one was bitten.  

We also spoke at length with DNR Director von Hone who is quite obviously well versed in the ways of coyotes. He graciously agreed to allow us to record a video of him delivering an important message for residents regarding their interaction with wild animals.  

He told HyannisNews that such encounters are not at all unusual for coyotes and foxes. These animals have gotten very used to human activity. Many wild animals in the area are becoming habituated – this is when they start relying for people for food. This happens when people start feeding these wild animals directly, or the eat food left outside and intended for family pets like cats and dogs.  

This is a horrible situation, not only for the people and their pets, but for the animals themselves. When it becomes necessary for Natural Resources to address the situation, it is often – unfortunately - a death sentence for the animal. Another problem is compost piles. Residents need to secure their trash so that animals cannot get into it.   

Habituation is the worst thing that can happen to a wild animal, but you can help! Residents are urged not to provide food sources for these opportunistic animals. They are looking for the easiest meal they can find. Free hand outs are easier than hunting for food naturally. Compost piles and garbage cans are easy picking for wild animals.

He urges everyone to let wild animals be wild animals. Don’t feed them. That way, we can all enjoy them at a safe distance.

Top Photo: Yarmouth Police and Department of Natural Resource Officers discuss how to best deal with this animal.

Above Right Photo: Yarmouth DNR Director Karl von Hone and Yarmouth Patrol Officer Gordon Gibbons talk to the Cogliano family about the coyote.