Photo: A coyote.

When asked what to do when residents see a coyote taking a stroll through neighborhood streets or backyards, Belmont’s long-serving Animal Control Officer John Maguranis told the Belmontonian that people should follow a simple three-word phrase when they encounter the animal. 

“Don’t freak out,” said Maguranis, who is one of the leading experts on coyotes and their growing interaction in urban spaces. Too many residents immediately revert to “panic” mode when one of the wild canines is in the vicinity of their homes, which Maguranis said is unnecessary in nearly all cases when people and coyotes cross paths. 

Maruranis, who is the Massachusetts representative to Project Coyote, a national coalition of scientists and educator working to promote coexistence between people and coyotes, will be presenting a multimedia presentation about all-things coyote in Belmont on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in Studio A at the Belmont Media Center, 9 Lexington St.

Maruranis will talk about:

• Common misconceptions about the animal
• Management and coexistence with coyotes
• Human and pet safety 
• The right way to haze coyotes, and
• Tracking the animal.

The public is invited to ask questions after the presentation. The event will be televised live and rebroadcast for future viewing. 

Maruranis will give the same presentation at The First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from noon to 2 p.m.

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