Coyotes

Sunning Coyote by Richard Spencer

This week I read about how Jessica Simpson's dog was snatched away by a coyote. Ozzy Osborne lost his little Pomeranian to a coyote during the summer when he let his dog out in the yard, while he and his wife were inside watching the tribute to Michael Jackson. These are examples of what happened to famous celebrities. One can only imagine how many times it has happened closer to home.

Coyotes are wild animals. When they are around humans they shy away from them. In recent years, they have been able to adapt to our urban environments. Many people feel sorry for them by feeling they should give them a little food since they are hungry. However, this tells coyotes that the person who gave them food is a source for food. They will think nothing of becoming aggressive towards that well-meaning person.

Adapting to city life coyotes range between 30 to 45 pounds (13.6 to 20.4kg). It's nothing for them to swipe an unsuspecting 10 pound dog,cat, or small child. In fact, cats are even more susceptible to their attacks than dogs.

If these animals are in your area, it is best to do the following:

• Keep all food inside

Leaving your food outside your back door or inside your garage is a huge magnet for this animals. They will dig through whatever they can to get to it.


• Keep your dogs on a leash or keep them close by.

Jessica Simpson's dog Daisy was standing right by her when that coyote swooped in and took off with her. It happened so fast because that is how coyotes are. I can only imagine how she felt when she saw it all go down. Larger dogs are not a target but large-breed puppies are just as much of a target as small-breed adult dogs.


• Keep your cat indoors

Years ago, it was common to let your cat to let your cat outside. Now, there are too many threats to a cat being outdoors like cars and predators. I've had my Kat for 9 years and never let her outside because I've been too afraid of what could happen to her. Luckily, she's enjoyed living as an indoor cat and has plenty of favorite spots to hang out.


• Act Aggresively!

Attempt to frighten away coyotes by making loud noises (e.g., shouting, air horn) and acting aggressively (e.g., waving your arms, throwing sticks, spraying with a hose).


• Don't Give Them A Hiding Place!

Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds that coyotes or other animals may use.

These are just a few tips for you all. If you would like to read some more please visit this site.

Lastly, thanks for all stopping by. If you have any coyote stories you'd like to share, please don't be shy about leaving a comment. I'll be back with more posts this weekend.