Full Notification

There were two coyote vs dog attacks reported this week. A 38 pound dog on Hardscrabble Rd and a 44 pound on Ludlow Drive were attacked. In both cases the dog owners heard barking and were able to scare the coyotes away. Both dogs will survive.

Dog and cat owners need to protect their pets from coyotes. Do not assume your yard is safe because you have not seen coyotes in your neighborhood. Coyotes attack quickly and if you are not cautious the first time you see one may be when it is attacking your pet. Although small dogs are easy prey for coyotes, larger dogs can also be attacked and are usually no match for a coyote.

Here is some advise for protecting dogs provided by the United States Humane Society:

Protecting dogs

Dogs (especially small dogs) are also vulnerable to coyote confrontations. These incidents generally involve coyotes who are accustomed or habituated to people (usually due to wildlife feeding), or coyotes who are protecting their territory and pups (usually during breeding season). 

Dogs (especially small dogs) should not be left outside unattended, should never be chained and should always be kept on a leash in public areas. It is important to never let your dog interact or play with a coyote. Pet food and water should be kept indoors to avoid attracting coyotes to your yard.

Although “attacks” on larger dogs are rarer, coyotes will sometimes go after a large dog when they feel that their territory is threatened. This generally occurs during the coyote breeding season, which takes place from January through March. During this time, it is especially important not to let dogs outside unattended and to keep them on leashes when in public areas.

Fencing can be used to keep coyotes out of residential yards, but it must be at least six feet tall and should extend underground at least six inches or be parallel to the ground at least 12 inches and secured with landscaping staples.  Devices such as the "coyote roller,” which “rolls off” coyotes that try to scramble over the fence, can enhance the effectiveness of a fence. Do-it-yourself options also include adding PVC piping or chicken wire to the top of your fence to prevent coyotes from jumping over, and retrofitting a mesh apron to the bottom of the fence (extending at least 12 inches out and secured with landscaping staples) to keep coyotes from digging under.