These 4 Out-Of-Place Creatures Have Been Spotted In Massachusetts And You’ll Want To Steer Clear

Black bears have actually been a part of the ecological landscape in Massachusetts for years. However, these creatures have been slowly expanding eastward since the 1970s. Now, their range reaches almost as far as the Boston metro area. Though black bears generally live and breed in Worcester County and Berkshire County, they have been increasingly seen in Middlesex County and east of Route 495.

Bobcats are medium- to large-sized felines that can grow up to four feet long. These cats are actually frequently mistaken for mountain lions due to their large size and prominent face ruff. Though bobcat sightings aren’t rare in Massachusetts, these creatures can look remarkably out of place because they aren’t averse to stalking through suburban backyards or populated neighborhoods. They generally prefer woodland areas, but you might spot one crossing the road around sunset or sunrise.

Wolves are majestic (and slightly scary) creatures that are not native to Massachusetts. Officially, there is no self-sustaining population of wolves present in the state. However, a wolves from a subspecies known as Algonquin wolves occasionally wander down from Canada and have been recently spotted in western Massachusetts. In October of 2018, residents in the Pioneer Valley reported seeing what were believed at the time to be wolves, but may have been coyotes. Still, it’s not unheard of to run across a wolf in the western portion of the state.

Coyotes are medium-sized predators that closely resemble wolves to the untrained eye. The eastern coyote is actually pretty well establishes throughout the state, but residents are always surprised to find these creatures rummaging around in their outdoor garbage cans or bird feeders. Coyotes look remarkably out of place suburban settings, but sightings are becoming more frequent in populated areas.