Presented by John Maguranis
Massachusetts Representative for Project Coyote and Belmont Animal Control Officer
John Maguranis presented a PowerPoint program on Eastern Coyotes. His program addressed coyote origin and history, natural behavior and habits, myths and facts, and identification and tracking, as well as issues of pet and human safety. John discussed the benefits of coyotes in controlling rodent populations and thereby reducing the incidents of Lyme Disease ticks, which require rodents as part of their life cycle. He described why coyotes eradication programs have always failed, and demonstrated “Coyote Hazing,” a powerful tool for keeping coyotes at a distance by reinforcing the animal’s natural wariness of people.
The program was well attended and included a lively dialog with some audience members who did not share John’s enthusiasm for coyotes. Throughout the program Wellesley Animal Control Officer Sue Webb, joined John in addressing questions about coyotes in general as well as their presence and behavior in Wellesley.