Coyote Attacks

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We've talked about coyotes here before but more info is always helpful. I live in a suburb of Chicago, a densely populated area, and coyote attacks on dogs here are on the rise. The veterinary specialty clinic/ER facility in my town has recently seen 4 dogs who were attacked by coyotes in or near their own backyards. They posted an article on FB this morning with tips on how to keep your dog safe. It's worth reading, I'm guessing that with winter coming on and food becoming scarce, this will continue.

Here's a link to the article: http://www.vetspecialty.com/news/coyote-attacks-on-the-rise-protect...

Key points on protecting your dog from coyote attacks: 

• Don’t let your pet run loose – Many coyote attacks happen when a pet is unattended in their yard or running loose in a forest preserve or other outdoor location. Keep your pet on a short leash (10 feet or less) to protect your pet and to keep the situation under control.
• Don’t let your pet out alone after dark – Urban coyotes are nocturnal creatures. If your pet must go out at night, make sure that they are always attended and leashed. Make sure you have a flashlight when walking with your dog.
• Make sure your yard is safe – If you have an invisible fence, your pet is not safe because it keeps your pet in and lets other predators into the yard. Since coyotes have been known to scale 6-foot fences, you should stay with your dog even if you have a fence. Do routine checks of your yard to make sure no one can get into or out of the yard.
• Exhibit caution if you see a coyote – If a coyote approaches you, make noise, wave your arms and/or throw something to scare it away. Do not turn your back or run from a coyote.

According to Allison Frederick, an Environmental Communications Specialist with the Lake County Forest Preserve,  coyotes view dogs as competition for territory, food and mates. Because they protect their territory just like a dog will protect a yard, coyotes will chase a dog or other animal off, or attack it if it won’t be chased away when a dog, or any animal, enters its territory.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Thanks for the reminder. My daughter's huge cat was attacked by a coyotes in a residential area close to the Seattle area.  My SIL was in shower getting ready to go to work and he heard their malamute slam against the picture window in their living room. Marc ran out just in time to see the coyote coming back across the yard.  When he finally found Jasmine she had puncture wounds around her neck and they figure Bella (dog) startled the coyote for a second and Jas was able to get away.  She did survive and probably has 5 lives left!  We also have coyotes in the area, so I am extremely vigil especially at night.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad Jas is okay. 

JD and I crossed paths with a male coyote one night several years ago, just a block away from our house, and it's an experience I don't want to repeat. 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Ditto!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Great information Karen

We hear them, especially in late Spring and late Fall. Usually, there is no threat but during the Spring until June, during denning ( is denning a real word?) season, it is the most dangerous. They will protect that den at all costs. 

[Kaitee and Orwell]

We have coyotes that come out at night. Even though we have a high fence that theoretically no coyote could get through, I still go out with Orwell at night to supervise him when going potty.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sadly coyotes are a problem here in NJ too. Thanks Karen for the info.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Thank you Karen for posting this.  I've never seen one but I've heard that they are around. This is great information.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks for posting this, Karen.  We have bear, fox, and coyote...and I'm actually most afraid of the coyote when I'm walking the dogs.  This is good information.

[Wendy and Myla]

We live in the country and always hear the coyotes howl at night time - if we don't hear them, we have trouble falling asleep - lol.  There is always a pack nearby.   Right now, there is a three-legged coyote in our neighbourhood - (I haven't seen him yet, but many of our neighbours have) so everyone is super-diligent!  Normally we very seldom see a coyote during the daytime so this is very unusual.  I guess he has to stay around the homes because of his disability.  Everyone is walking their dog on a leash (and normally, nobody does) and doing everything that is stated in your link.  We have never had a bigger dog attacked here (and I've lived here for 36 years) but definitely a lot of cats have gone missing so I'm sure that a smaller doodle could be fair game.  Great advice Karen and it's a great warning, especially when the colder weather is here and they are hungrier than usual!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

One of the dogs who was attacked here in my area is a full size Labrador. 

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

We, too have coyotes and they have been seen frequently hunting in packs of 2-6.  I believe pack hunting is atypical coyote behavior, but they are very stressed here due to severe drought.  Too many coyotes, not enough mountain lions to keep them in check.

Two of my friends have  had their (very) small dogs picked up at the end of the 6 foot leash, one by a coyote and one by a hawk.  Both were able to save their dogs, but very scary.

Glad I have bigger doodles.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here I see them either alone or in pairs.