Feeding wildlife at Hawksnest

Last summer, I was having a conversation with a regular visitor to Hawksnest.  We were at Bell's landing on the west side of the pond.  As we talked, he tossed a few pieces of leftover pizza into the woods, "for the coyotes."

It's true there are coyotes around Hawksnest.  I saw them twice last summer, both times close to Seth Whitfield Rd.

It's good to have wildlife on the Cape--and that's one of the purposes of state parks like Hawksnest.  Coyotes help restore the natural balance.  For example, they can prevent the buildup of pesky populations of geese, that litter parks with their droppings.

Feeding coyotes, whether intentional or not, will only lead to death for the coyotes.  Last summer, after complaints, the animal control officer in Chatham trapped and removed family of coyotes.

How homeowners provide food for coyotes

• Leaving pet food in a dish on your patio
• Leaving bags of petfood accessible in your garage
• Scattered seed under your bird feeder---attracts rodents which coyotes feed on
• Leaving small pets outdoors (or off leash), especially at night.
• Leaving your garbage can uncovered

Coyotes are a good reason to keep your dog on-leash at Hawksnest.  They are known to attack and kill dogs--even dogs their own size.  They do this, not for food, but because dogs are seen as a threat to their territory or their den.

More stories about coyote attacks on dogs on the Cape.