Coyotes In Lincoln ‘Aren’t Shying Away’

A police officer shot a coyote this week near McDonalds in Lincoln.

The animals have lived in that area for many years enjoying a very large piece of land and the wetlands nearby.  But now authorities in that town say coyotes are coming close to people's homes and are "not shying away."

One resident in town has complained that coyotes have eaten her chickens.  Recently, someone followed a coyote up Main Street and eventually "clipped" the animal with their car.

According to an article in today's Bangor Daily News, Lincoln Paper and Tissue paper mill officials have hired an animal control officer to protect the mill's employees.  Bill Peterson, spokesperson for the mill said, “we are not going to expose our employees to any form of attack or bite. We haven’t had anybody hurt but we are going to deal with it up front.”  The newly hired animal control officer was recommended to the mill by the Maine Warden Service.

According to a State of Maine website, there are about 12,000 coyotes living here with us.  An adult coyote can weigh anywhere fro 30 to 45 pounds.  They'll eat almost anything, from rats to birds to woodchucks, and yes they will eat garbage, livestock, poultry and what's in your garden.

Officials don't know why coyotes in the Lincoln area are warming up to humans.  But one rule of thumb is, "do not feed wild animals!"  And if you happen to see a coyote, leave it alone!

FYI-THERE HAVE BEEN NO DOCUMENTED ATTACKS ON HUMANS HERE IN MAINE!  Although, there have been in other states.  According to the aforementioned website, " often the animals responsible had become accustomed to the presence of people, were fed, and/or were targeting dogs that accompanied people."