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.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Same here. More likely if you see one, there are a few more not far behind. 

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

This always scares me. We are in Texas now. We were out walking our doods this morning and talking with a neighbor. She mentioned she saw a coyote run across the street this morning. Creeps me out, I just hate the thought of my babies getting in a fight with a wild animal. Maybe I should carry a big stick at night when we take them out.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Carrying a noisemaker to scare them off is a good idea. Like those cheap New Year's Eve noise makers from the party store. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thanks Karen, good reminder. I have a false sense of security with having a 6' block wall around our yard, but I know coyotes can jump up that high.  Being in Az we have a healthy population of coyotes as well.  Scary thought.

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

Thanks for posting this, Karen.  This is great information.  We also have them around here but I've never seen one yet - though I'm always scanning the yard when I take the girls out (leashed) for their last potty at night. 

[Audrey and Colby]

Thanks for posting this information. We live right in the busy city of Chicago, and there's a coyote who apparently lives somewhere in our back alley who has killed a few small dogs and some cats in even fenced-in yards. We now take extra care when we let our dogs out!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Back in 2007, a coyote walked into a Quizno's in downtown Chicago!

https://youtu.be/kbYIPXIX5f8

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Oh wow! I never saw this before. I do think that he just looks so happy siting in that cooler though! This past July every time I would open the freezer I would turn around to two happy doodles enjoying the blast of cold air. :)

[Richard Crowe]

Coyotes can climb over chain link fences.

It is not legal in many residential or semi rural areas to top your fence with barbed wire. It also looks pretty much inductrial or prison-like.

Coyote Rollers are a way to prevent coyotes from getting over chain link fences.

http://www.coloradocoyoterollers.com/CoyoteRoller-p/cr.htm

However the commercial rollers are a bit pricey.  You can install DIY rollers at a less cost although with some work involved...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAC_JTdsTCw