You just saw a fox on the prowl and your scared for poor kitty's life (or other outdoor pet), who do you call? 

You actually don't need to call anyone, said Animal Control Officer Ellen Sawyer.

"We know we are loaded with foxes and coyotes. What I tell people to do is bang pots and pans together and they usually will go away," she said.

If you find an injured or killed animal, however, please do call the non-emergency number at the police station, 978-658-5071 and ask for Sawyer. Sadly, most of the injured animals will be euthanized. The town does not euthanize health animals, however.

Sawyer advises not to leave any brush piles in the yard as foxes like to have their babies there.

"Even bird feeders! Foxes and coyotes, but mostly foxes, will eat the bird seed," she said. "Never feed your pet outside."

Feeding a pet outside, she said, draws a large crowd of wild animals, everything from skunks to raccoons to coyotes. As for little kitty, better to keep him or her inside where they are safe. 

"We see cats get taken away by foxes and coyotes all the time, please keep them indoors," Sawyer said. "They can get diseases, hit by cars and they do get hit all the time. People think they will stay in their yard. No, they don't. If they see even a leaf blowing, they're gonna chase it. The cat is safer indoors."