WOBURN - In the wake of an incident that involved two coyotes attacking a dog in North Woburn this past weekend, the Woburn Police Department's animal control division issued an advisory to all residents about the danger the wily animals pose.

On Saturday, two coyotes reportedly attacked a dog on Norwood Circle, and stared down the dog's owner before finally being warded off.

Animal Control Officer Larry Parece advised residents to visit the state's Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's website, www.masswildlife.org, which has a special section about coyotes, portions of which are provided below:

To avoid problems with coyotes and to make your property less attractive to them, you should follow some basic practices:

* Secure your garbage: Coyotes raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep them in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash when the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost in secure, vented containers, and keep barbecue grilles clean to reduce attractive odors.

* Don't feed or try to pet coyotes: Keep wild things wild! Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause coyotes to act tame and may lead to bold behavior. Coyotes that rely on natural foods remain wild and wary of humans.

* Keep your pets safe: Although free roaming pets are more likely to be killed by automobiles than by wild animals, coyotes do view cats and small dogs as potential food, and larger dogs as competition. For the safety of your pets, keep them restrained at all times.

* Keep bird feeder areas clean: Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts many small mammals coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard.

* Feed pets indoors: Outdoor feeding attracts many wild animals to your door!

* Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds: Coyotes use such areas for resting and raising young.

* Don't let coyotes intimidate you: Don't hesitate to scare or threaten coyotes with loud noises, bright lights, or water sprayed from a hose.

* Cut back brushy edges in your yard: These areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey.

* Protect livestock and produce: Coyotes will prey on livestock. Various techniques, such as fencing, will protect livestock from predation.

* Clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees.

* Educate your Neighbors: Your efforts will be futile if neighbors are providing food or shelter for coyotes. Eastern coyotes are an important and valuable natural resource in Massachusetts. They are classified as a furbearer species, for which a regulated hunting season and management program have been established.

If you are experiencing problems with coyotes, or have any questions regarding them, contact the MassWildlife District Office at 978-263-4347.