A Massachusetts town has decided to become the first in the state to contract with the federal government to kill coyotes locals say have killed pets and become a dangerous nuisance.
Local officials said eight to 12 coyotes inhabit Nahant, a densely settled town of about 3,300 people on a peninsula about 15 miles north of Boston. The animals have killed pets, including three taken straight from leashes held by their owners, said Antonio Barletta, the town administrator.
Town officials voted Dec. 7 to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wildlife Services to kill the coyotes using rifles. It’s the first time a Massachusetts community has pursued such an option, which Barletta said is expected to cost $5,000 to $10,000, depending on how long it takes….