Coyote Ugly: Coyotes in West Roxbury

West Roxbury is all aflutter after spotting a coyote family.

The family is vanishing one at a time, however. One was caught and another was hit by a car Wednesday morning. But the mother is probably extremely angry right now, and only professionals should attempt to engage her.

And, if you come across one of the critters, remember what the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife said: "Go out and run and yell and scream and holler and run straight at them – the coyote is going to turn and leave."

Coyotes are common in urban areas because of all the food available, and "There have only been three confirmed attacks on humans since 1998, with two cases involving rabid coyotes."

Keeping them away seems easy. Don't feed them. And, while you're at it, don’t leave your trash exposed because snacks just keep them coming.

Image of a coyote from MassWildlife.