Coyotes as Large as Wolves Are Menacing the Boston Suburbs — And They’re Getting Bigger

The sight of a coyote crouching across a Boston yard has become commonplace in recent years, as the canines move from the suburbs towards the city.

In fact, the state has even established a website specifically designed to educate residents about the animals and address their coyote-related concerns.

But, as Boston 25 reports, a recent sighting suggests Massachusetts' coyotes may be getting bigger.

Photographs shared by Brighton resident Jillian Campbell show two taking a break in her backyard.

"That was my first thought, this is way bigger than a coyote I've ever seen," Campbell told the station, noting she even stayed inside her car after getting home, concerned for her own safety.

Campbell shared the pictures on her social media pages, triggering a debate: coyotes or wolves?

"They're so big, they're definitely wolves," commented one user.

"They're coy-wolves — a mix of coyotes and wolves," suggested another.

"They're well fed," another person keenly observed.

Dave Wattles, a black bear and furbearer biologist for the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, theorized the coyotes appear bigger due to their voluminous winter coats.

As Wattles reminded the station, coyotes are all over the place. Some have even been spotted throughout New York City.

"It's important to remember these coyotes were born and raised in Boston," said Wattles. "So, they're used to people and they're used to traffic and the sights and sounds of a modern city."