Notes from the Field ~ John Maguranis

John Maguranis has been a valued member of our pack for a number of years. Serving as our Massachusetts Representative, he has given over 150 presentations that empower communities to coexist with coyotes. As a retired animal control officer and U.S. Army veterinary technician, John brings tremendous street cred to his talks. The National Park Service, the Appalachian Trail Association, and the Boston Park Rangers – among many others – have requested his presentations, and he’s given speeches to those and other organizations, agencies, and communities throughout the Northeastern United States. His work has even been featured in the Boston Globe.

We’re thrilled to announce that John is working with the National Animal Care & Control Association, in coordination with another powerhouse volunteer Heather Cammisa, on a new partnership designed to expand our outreach to the animal services community. This week, John is at NACA’s annual conference in Orlando speaking with animal control officers about the wildlife conflicts they face in their communities.

More to come on this exciting new partnership! For now, please enjoy my interview with this special team member.

For Wild Nature,

Camilla Fox
Founder & Executive Director

For 17 years, you served as an animal control officer in Belmont, Massachusetts. Will you please tell us a bit more about that role and how you addressed conflicts with coyotes in the community?

I grew up in Belmont and spent most of my childhood exploring the woods, and there was no evidence of coyotes at that time. As soon as I became an animal control officer (ACO) in November, 2001 I had to deal with a coyote issue when I had no good working knowledge of the species. Having a strong animal and wildlife background, I knew the claims and fears I was hearing from the community were generally unfounded. I immediately began searching for any and all information regarding coyotes. It was then when I stepped into the “educator” mode and began giving educational presentations in Belmont, followed quickly by the whole Northeast region of the country.

You have been representing Project Coyote as the Massachusetts Representative for close to eight years. Tell us a bit more about what you do and some of the lessons you have learned along the way.

For the most part, my mission has been educating the public. To date, I have performed well over 150 presentations, TV interviews and in-school programs for kids. Lessons learned along the way include that incidents reported in the media and on NextDoor are often blown out of proportion or paint an incomplete picture of the situation, fueling fear of coyotes; that children LOVE to learn about coyotes; and just how much people generally leave my presentations with a new respect and appreciation for coyotes.

John Maguranis Speaking in July 2012

You became the first animal control officer to provide training workshops to other animal control officers in Massachusetts about best practices for mitigating conflicts with coyotes. Can you talk more about what that training entailed and your vision for expanding this training nationwide?

I initiated a program with the State of Massachusetts to train ACOs on how to work with the community to address and prevent human-coyote conflicts – keeping people, pets, and coyotes safe. While a drastic change in my personal life prevented the program from getting off the ground, I still see a great need for these presentations. Most of the requests for presentations over the years have been from ACOs who are eager to learn about the subject. ACOs are on the frontlines – they’re the first ones who are called when someone in the community has a concern about a coyote. My vision remains the same: to get ACOs nationwide educated about coyotes so they can help the communities they care about!

You will be representing Project Coyote at the National Animal Care & Control Association’s (NACA) annual conference in Orlando in October. What do you hope to see come out of that conference and Project Coyote’s partnership with NACA?

I’m hoping that our presence will inspire ACOs across the nation to become educated about coyotes and to bring that knowledge to the field. I want ACOs to have the tools they need to empower their communities to appreciate the important role coyotes play in urban and rural areas, to humanely address conflicts, and to prevent conflicts in the first place. Common-sense precautions go a long way in keeping everyone safe – pets, people, and wildlife – and eliminate the need for lethal control. Living peacefully with wildlife requires public education, consistent messaging, and agency collaboration.

NACA sets a standard of professionalism in the animal care and control field and provides ACOs with resources and training to help officers effectively serve their communities. This partnership will combine NACA’s experience in the animal control field with Project Coyote’s knowledge of coexistence with coyotes. Initially, we hope to provide ACOs with a webinar to begin their training and co-branded materials (including doorhangers, signs, tips cards, and flyers) to teach the public about how to live safely with coyotes. At the conference, I’ll be seeking feedback from ACOs on what resources they need, and eventually I’d like to establish a more formal training program for ACOs.

John Maguranis with a rescued coyote pup

You chose the coyote as your totem animal. What do you appreciate about coyotes and the lessons they teach us?

Coyotes are awesome! I admire and appreciate their intelligence and resilience. Their adaptability is incredible, and will ensure their species survival in an ever-changing environment. Coyotes teach us many things, like the success of a tightly bonded “family.” They have an incredible will to survive and, sadly, an enormous ability to withstand torturous pain and suffering. They also serve to remind us of what happens when humans interfere with wildlife.

What is your vision for peaceful coexistence with coyotes and other wild animals with whom we share the landscape?

I won’t give up educating in hopes that we, as a species, will embrace the beauty and importance of all living things. I am hopeful that we can stop particularly cruel and senseless practices like wildlife killing contests, trapping, the fur trade and unregulated coyote hunting!

What do you enjoy most about working with Project Coyote?

The team! Project Coyote has put together an amazing, proactive, determined and driven team of people that has accomplished so much. I am inspired by the accomplishments Project Coyote has achieved. Very few national organizations have driven positive changes regarding predators and wildlife management more efficiently than Project Coyote. Team Project Coyote is well-equipped and accomplished. Leadership: Camilla Fox has not only assembled an amazing team, but leads by example and has an inherent ability to inspire, lead and manage. On a personal note, Camilla is one of the warmest and most intelligent, kind and compassionate people I’ve ever met!

I’m still amazed that Project Coyote not only asked me to join the “pack,” but has kept me on for so many years! I’m so grateful to be mentored by some of the best people on the planet, AND that my efforts are appreciated. Being a team member is one of my greatest accomplishments and I honor my position.

Every time I hear of Project Coyote’s wins for wildlife, I feel a great sense of pride and awe because no other organization has accomplished what Project Coyote has in such a short period of time. It feels great to bump elbows with such compassionate people and to know I’m accepted and appreciated. Project Coyote is me and I am Project Coyote!