New Bedford’s Fort Taber Park Has ‘Potentially Dangerous’ Wildlife

Coyote sightings in Greater New Bedford have become common in recent years. Occasionally, I'll spot a coyote while walking at UMass Dartmouth. It is also not uncommon to see foxes roaming near the edge of the tree line at Brooklawn Park and other places.

Recently, there seems to be an uptick in coyote sightings at Fort Taber Park in the city's South End. Experts say the animals have adapted well to urban areas because food is available and there are few if any predators.

New Bedford City Councilor at Large Ian Abreu lives near Fort Taber Park with his family.

"In the South End of New Bedford, particularly in the areas in or around the fort and Poor Farm area, you see a lot of unique wildlife you don't see in other parts of our city," he said.

"It's due largely in part to their easy access to the Poor Farm's pond and wooded area as well as the fort's open space for grazing," Abreu said.

According to Abreu, turkeys, vultures, crows and osprey also frequent the South End.

Ward 6 Councilor Ryan Pereira represents the far South End.

"I'm hopeful that means we are keeping our parks and nature trails clean so wildlife wants to live there," he said. "But at the end of the day, this is still a city, and I hope the population doesn't expand too much."

"I hope people are cautious and don't feed them (coyotes), watch their pets, etc.," he said.

Abreu agrees.

"I recommend residents and visitors do not engage with any of the wildlife they may encounter and to call our animal control officer as soon as possible so the city can track any new developments," he said.

Abreu has not heard of coyote attacks on humans or pets in the South End.

"Not to my knowledge, no, because our residents down here typically take heed to our warnings when potentially dangerous wildlife are spotted," he said.

New Bedford Animal Control Officer Emanuel Maciel did not respond to a request for comment.