Dolan Pond is knee-deep in snow and ice this time of year, but that doesn’t stop dog walkers—or coyotes—from roaming the area.

“The coyotes are always circling up there,” said Joseph Castagnino, a dog walker and Auburndale resident.

Nearby, a scatter of feathers lay across the snow—evidence, Castagnino said, of the predators’ presence.

Newton police said they have received dozens of reports of coyotes across the city since the beginning of the year. 

“The Newton Police Department is aware of several recent coyote sightings throughout the city,”  the department said in a Facebook post in late January. “Animal Control and responding officers have assessed the animals and determined the coyotes observed are in good health.” Recent sightings reflect a broader increase. According to Newton’s “Report a Coyote Sighting” tracker, there were 124 reported sightings in 2025. In the first six weeks of 2026 alone, there have already been 86 sightings, putting the city on pace for a significantly higher total if the trend continues.

The increase may be linked to mating season, when coyotes are more active and more visible as they search for mates and establish territory, according to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.

City data show sightings are widespread but unevenly distributed. A heat map of reports from the past 12 months shows clusters throughout Newton, with the highest concentration in West Newton and additional hotspots in northern and central neighborhoods. One cluster in West Newton recorded more than 40 sightings, with nearby areas reporting more than a dozen each. Many of the sightings appear near wooded areas, parks and residential green corridors.

“I was driving at night in Auburndale and had to stop in the middle of the road to swerve because of a coyote,” said Zachary Grinspoon, a residential specialist and lifelong West Newton resident.

“They were always in my backyard growing up,” Grinspoon added. “But they never caused any harm.”

Attacks on humans are extremely rare, but coyotes may prey on small animals, including cats and small dogs.

Despite the increase in sightings, local veterinarians say there has been little evidence of conflict.

A representative at Newton Animal Hospital said the hospital has not treated any recent coyote-related pet injuries this year.

Back at Dolan Pond, Castagnino said his dog, Jack, remains unfazed.

“Jack treats them as playthings or something to chase,” he said, holding the excited Catahoula leopard dog on a tight leash.

City officials advise residents to remain alert, keep pets supervised and report sightings, as coyotes continue to be a visible part of Newton’s suburban landscape.

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This story is part of a partnership between the Newton Beacon and the Boston University Department of Journalism.