MONSON, Mass. (WWLP) - Monson police are notifying residents in the Crest and Brimfield Roads to be aware of their surroundings outdoors and remove any food sources after receiving several reports of an injured coyote. In a social media post by the Monson Police Department, they say that over the past few days, they received calls from residents reporting a coyote with an apparent leg injury. A caller also said they saw the coyote with two pups. VIDEO: Coyote caught on camera with signs of mange When police arrived to investigate the reports, the coyote either ran off into the woods or had already left the area. Massachusetts Environmental Police and MassWildlife told Monson police that the coyote should be left alone if it is not acting aggressively. Police are asking residents not to contact dispatch to report sightings unless the coyote exhibits aggressive behavior. Those living in the area of Crest and Brimfield Roads are being advised to be aware of their surroundings when outside and to remove any food sources such as trash receptacles and bird feeders to help discourage human contact. MAP: Crest and Brimfield Roads in Monson In Massachusetts, coyotes breed during February and can become more aggressive during that time. Tips to keep coyotes away Coyote attacks in Massachusetts are rare. According to Mass Audubon, there have been fewer than ten in the past 60 years, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t happen. That’s why you should always be prepared. Avoid leaving any kind of pet food or garbage outside your home. Bring your cats inside at night Keep an eye on your dogs when they go out in your yard. According to Mass.gov, coyotes are opportunistic feeders and are extraordinarily adaptable to a wide range of habitats. Coyotes thrive in suburban, urban, and rural areas as well. They will eat any food that is naturally available, such as small animals, birds, insects, and fruits, as well as artificial sources like garbage, pet food, birdseed, and compost. The eastern coyote is well known throughout Massachusetts except on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. They are important and valuable natural resources in Massachusetts and they are classified as a furbearer species, for which a management program and regulated hunting and trapping seasons have been established.  Never purposely provide food for coyotes to attract them to your property. Coyotes will use areas under porches and sheds for resting and for raising young. Close these areas off to prevent animals such as coyotes from using them. The presence of a coyote alone does not cause concern because coyotes are afraid of people. Keep coyotes wild by scaring or threatening coyotes in your yard with loud noises, bright lights, or water sprayed from a hose. Local News Headlines RMV is seeing low numbers of Massachusetts residents obtaining a Real ID: How to apply Lawyers and advocates call for civil legal aid increases Gov. Healey proposed speed enforcement cameras in 2026 budget, what local officials think Free tax prep for low-to-moderate income residents being offered WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.