Animals

Listen to This: Howling Coyotes in Franklin Park

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Coyotes are seen around Jamaica Plain, but not always heard. But Jamaica Plain resident Jennifer Uhrhane was recently able to record coyotes having a howling good time in Franklin Park. Uhrhane has lived in Jamaica Plain since 2004 and for the first time ever spotted a coyote running in Franklin Park past the tennis courts in mid-December. "As soon as we approached the tennis courts we heard the howling. It was really loud, and sounded like they were right next to us (though we couldn’t see them in the dark woods)," said Uhrhane.

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Animals

Video: Coyote Enjoys Franklin Park by Tennis Courts and Shattuck

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It's been rather cold and dreary of late, but that didn't stop a beautiful coyote from enjoying an afternoon in Franklin Park. The coyote was out and about near the picnic tables by the tennis courts by the Shattuck Hospital on Dec. 23, 2022. Actually, two coyotes were seen -- but we only got good video of one of the coyotes. Maybe next time we'll get both on video.

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Animals

Photo: Rare Fisher Cat Sighting in Arnold Arboretum!

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Ben Achtenberg was able to snap a rare photograph of a fisher cat in Bussey Brook Meadow in the Arnold Arboretum on Halloween. Fishers are solitary hunters and not commonly seen. They primarily prey on snowshoe hares and porcupines, according to wikipedia. They also eat insects, nuts, berries, and mushrooms.

Scientists have found evidence of birds, small mammals and even deer, which would indicate they're also scavengers and will eat carrion. While not common, fishers have also been known to kill wild turkeys.

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Animals

Dog Area Will Be Included in Flaherty Playground Renovation

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A dog area will be included in the upcoming renovations to the Flaherty Playground. An email from Boston Parks and Recreation project manager said that after community meetings, it was determined that a dog area should be included in the new redesign. The community process included a survey released after a Sept. 13 meeting, which was filled out by 1,143 people. Of the respondents, 79% were in favor of dog park, 91% included their home address and 89% were from Jamaica Plain.

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Animals

Photos: Dogs Strut Down Red Carpet During JP Canine Costume Parade

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Dogs, big and small, and their owners strutted their stuff during the 18th Annual Jamaica Plain JP Centre/South Main Streets Canine Costume Parade this past weekend. The following photos are provided by Deborah Karson @deborahjkarsonphotography of the parade down Centre Street and the red carpet action at the Loring-Greenough House.

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Animals

It’ll Be a Grrrreat Time: Jamaica Plain’s Annual Canine Costume Parade on Saturday

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Ruth Barker Ginsberg, dogs dressed as bumblebees, Harry Potter, and so many more awesome dog costumes have strutted the red carpet at the annual JP Canine Costume Parade through the years. Who knows what the dogs will be wearing this Saturday! Dogs and their owners are invited to wear costumes starting at the First Baptist Church and down Centre Street parade route to the Loring-Greenough House. Then the dogs (and their people) will walk the red carpet as judges decide the top three participants who receive prizes. The event is helmed and emceed by Blue Frog Bakery owner Brad Brown.

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Animals

Annual Jamaica Plain Dog Parade Needs Volunteers

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The annual Jamaica Plain Canine Costume Parade is coming up soon and volunteers are needed. The parade is Saturday, Oct. 29 from noon to 2:30 pm. Volunteers are needed for table registration, parade marshals as the parade makes its way down Centre Street to help conduct traffic, and red carpet wranglers to work with the talent (i.e. the dogs). This is really a ggggggrrrrrreat job for dog lovers and an opportunity to participate in one of Jamaica Plain's favorite traditions.

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