Animal control officers in Glastonbury have responded to dozens of reports of coyotes in town in recent weeks, including one that killed a family's pet in front of a child.
Now, police are urging residents not to leave food outside or let pets out unattended.
In the last two weeks, coyotes have been taking their young out to teach them how to hunt, according to police.
Carrie Gallo's husband, Dave, snapped photos last week of some of the seven coyotes by their home in the middle of the day.
“There were five baby coyotes and mom pacing,” Carrie Gallo said. “I won't let my kids outside with my dog by themselves.”
Carrie Gallo said a coyote killed her neighbor's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
"The dog passed away but she feels fortunate that the coyote did not attack her son," Gallo said.
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Gallo's husband, Dave, snapped photos last week of some of the seven coyotes by their home in the middle of the day.
“There were five baby coyotes and mom pacing,” she Gallo said. “I won't let my kids outside with my dog by themselves.”
The most frequent coyote sightings in Glastonbury haven been in the area of Chestnut Hill Road, Lakewood Road, Papermill, South Pond and Fallview, police said, and residents report that the animals are acting boldly and are not as fearful as expected when they see people.
Residents are advised to remove bird feeders and forgo depending on invisible fences to keep pets safe until the coyotes have moved to another part of their territory.
Police said coyotes also hunt turkeys and woodchucks, so their presence could mean that coyotes are not far behind.
If you have concerns about wildlife, call the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Wildlife Division at 860- 424-3011.
