Monty and a coyote

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Our Friday morning walk got quite interesting when we encountered a coyote on the trail. Usually, they stay away, but this one was very persistent and barked back at Monty. The video is of poor quality, I only had my cell phone with me.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I love my Monty...Jack is12 pounds! And he would bark too But he would get eaten or i would protecting him. Where were you walking is that any of the places we went?

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

No, this is by our house. They put in trails last summer, which was really great, but now the coyotes are occupying the space. You will see when you come visit.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

My Brother In Law told a story about the Coyotes in California.  The females in heat would go down from the hills into towns.  Pet dogs were following them back up into the hills never to return.  It was a setup!  Smart Coyote--but very sick.

[Jodi and Stella]

I've heard about that tactic around here too Joanne! Pretty "wiley", they are smart and kind of evil.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

So, you've heard of this too!  Wow. Amazing and creepy

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

Wow. We have them here too but I wouldn't know what to do if I came upon one. Did you turn and walk away?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

me either. I'm going to go look it  up.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

What should I do if I see a coyote?

If the coyote is seen in a residential area encourage the coyote to keep moving by shouting and gesturing aggressively at it. Remove all attractants around your property: accessible garbage and compost, pet food left outside, rat and mice habitat (birdseed fallen from feeders often attracts rodents).

What should I do if a coyote approaches me?

If a coyote approaches, appear as large and threatening as possible. Make aggressive gestures (moving arms and legs), shout in a low voice, and throw rocks, sticks or objects. Never run; coyotes, like most canids, like to chase moving objects. Coyotes are naturally timid animals and will flee when confronted with aggression.

What should I do if the coyote keeps approaching me?

Continue to exaggerate the techniques listed above. Do not turn away or run. Maintain eye contact and move slowly toward a building or area of increased activity.

DOGS
How can I keep my dog safe?

Coyotes sometimes prey upon small dogs. Small dogs have even been taken directly off the leash. You can ensure your pet's safety by supervising it at all times when outside. Allow your dog off-leash only in enclosed areas. If you encounter a coyote while walking your dog, gather your dog in your arms. If this is not possible, keep it on a short leash as you move toward an area with increased activity. Shout, wave your arms, or throw objects at the coyote.

Large dogs rarely come into conflict with coyotes. Incidents generally occur during the late winter and early spring when coyotes mate and are more territorial. Do not let your dog to play or interact with coyotes.

Some other precautionary measures that can be taken include:

Keep a whistle handy while walking your dog. The whistle may not scare the coyote directly (coyotes hear the same sirens, car alarms, and horns as we do), but it will alert other pedestrians in the area of your need for help.
Walk your dog in areas of high pedestrian traffic such as busy streets, jogging and park trails. Walk during times of increased activity such as during daylight hours, around schools at arrival, dismissal, break or lunch periods, along transit routes as the work day begins or ends, and around parks when sporting events (e.g. soccer practice) are being held.
Walk your dog with friends and family.
Avoid walking along abandoned properties or densely vegetated areas.
Make sure your dog is ahead of you and within sight at all times while walking.

Any dog that is off leash should have an immediate recall response to eliminate potential conflict with coyotes, dogs, and people.
http://www.nashvillecoyotes.com/questionsaboutcoyotes.htm

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Interesting. It's what we did. I kept approaching the coyote, even when he was off trail. Did not work much.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

We live by a big open space and can hear the coyotes howling at night. Lately, we can see them out and about during a day as well and they are becoming less timid. We also had some coyote attacks, but these were at the south part of Denver, not up here (yet). But I can tell they are getting very brave. This one was right on the trail and we were only few yards away when he decided to move to the field. But even if we got closer, it would still hold its ground and came back on the trail as we (meaning me pulling Monty with all my might) retrieved from the field back on the trail. Before I took the video, both Monty and I were barking, nothing really worked. Monty is usually off leash in this area, but I always keep my eyes open for any movement in the field. Seems like no more off leash walks here.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Oh how scary! Monty was protecting you. I am glad Joanne posted. I would have known to pick up Jack but I would have ran as fast as I could.mstanding my ground would have been hard!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's some info from our local forest preserve district:

Suggestions for protecting your pet on a walk:

• Always use a leash;
• Carry a stick and noise-maker (can even be an aluminum 'shaker' can or a horn);
• If possible, walk in areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic;
• Keep your dog as close to you as possible and head towards an active area;

Suggestions for an encounter with a coyote when walking your dog include:

• Making eye contact;
• Yelling or making loud noises;
• Throwing things at it;
• Making yourself appear as large and menacing as possible;
• Never turn your back on a coyote;
• Using mace or pepper spray (suggested by many FB friends, but this can backfire by people accidentally spraying themselves with it rather than the predator);

http://www.chicagonow.com/happy-dog-happy-owner/2011/12/coyotes-in-...