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This image of a coyote in Springfield's Forest Park was captured recently by the Parks Department's trail cam.

(SPRINGFIELD PARKS DEPT.)

SPRINGFIELD — City officials, warning they have evidence that coyotes, bobcats, fishers and other potentially dangerous animals are in Forest Park, recommended that all children be constantly accompanied by adults and that all dogs be leashed while there.

Mayor Domenic Sarno and Patrick Sullivan, executive director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management, issued the warning in a release issued early Monday afternoon.

Red and gray foxes and raccoons are also believed to be in the park, they said.

Sullivan said officials issued the warning as a precaution because school vacation week is coming up. "We just went parents and children to be aware of this information," he said.

Sullivan stressed there are no known instances of any of these animals attacking pets or patrons inside the park. "There is no threat at this time," he said. "There is wildlife in the woods that needs to be respected."

Sullivan said that park officials have been monitoring the wooded areas of the park with an infra-red trail cam, which can take photographs in the dark, for about 18 months. They picked up an image of a bobcat, about a week or so ago in a wooded area on the Dickinson Street side of the park.

"This is a first," he said.

Asked if he was surprised that a bobcat was photographed in the park, Sullivan said. "I am a little bit, but I guess they have a wide range. They are not uncommon."

The trail cam has also picked up images of coyotes, foxes and raccoons, Sullivan said. It has yet to photograph a fisher, however, footprints of the small carnivorous mammal have been discovered within the park, he said.

Fisher sightings have increased significantly in Massachusetts since 2000, according to the Mass Audubon website. Often erroneously called fisher cats, they are members of the weasel family.

Those with questions are asked to contact the Park Department Environmental Specialist at (413) 426-0106.

The release contains the following guidelines: