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I wanted to add that I know the parents of the dog should have watched out for it but not everyone was aware of the severity of the coyote problem. The parents of the dogs killed went on camera to warn other pet friend that this can happen to anyone. I think it was very brave of them considering what they have gone through. I feel so bad for them!
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It is terribly sad for the family of that dog.
I can understand people being scared to take their dogs out, where there are Coyotes. They are even more likely to approach people and dogs/cats than Wolves are. The only reason a Wolf would do that would be if it was absolutely starving. But Coyotes are not as shy.
So why are the Coyotes so hungry do you think, Ruth? Has their natural prey disappeared, or is it for some other reason?
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That is so sad about the little dog. Coyotes have been getting more aggressive lately. There have been other incidents in other cities.
Lack of food might be an explanation. There are less rabbits and other animals around so coyotes might need to look for other food sources.
You are right to be concerned about Suzy's safety. I know coyotes are out at night so walking a dog at night would be risky. Having a dog off leash isn't good either. Wooded areas or walks along river banks would be risky.
You could walk Suzy around noon on a city street and it should be safe.
How many coyotes do they think they have in your area.
Catherine
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It could be that where humans have spread out and settled in territories which would normally be the Coyotes' living space, there is some kind of 'pest control' going on. Maybe that is what has killed off the Coyotes' natural prey? I can imagine they regularly hunt small prey, such as rodents, rabbits etc?
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I think the coyotes are suffering from habitat loss and loss of prey. They seem to have lost their fear of humans and that makes them more dangerous. They are also very clever. It is going to lead to bad encounters with humans and their pets, but the coyotes just want to live.
Some people are careless about letting their dogs out at bad times and in bad places. It is sad for the dogs because they don't understand the danger.
It must be odd to hear about coyotes and not actually have heard them. Once you have heard a coyote calling you will never forget it. They are more haunting than wolf howls.
Catherine
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06-27-2017, 02:38 PM
(This post was last modified: 06-27-2017, 02:40 PM by Ruth.)
The coyote problem is prevelent all over now. I only just learned of how bad the problem is. The manager here told me they walk down the street the same as humans do now. Wow and stange. I am very careful when waking Suzy. I look in all directions and have my pepper spray at hand.
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Things must be really desperate for the coyotes if they are boldly walking down the streets. That means it is really dangerous for small pets and small children. Does you city have any plan to relocate the coyotes? I wonder if that is even possible.
You would have to be very careful with Suzy.
They need to build fenced dog parks so dogs have a safe place to play. I wonder if they could be made coyote proof. Are there any indoor places that a dog could take a walk?
Catherine