A Coyote Took My Bruiser

[Smilie]

That is awful to hear. Can you contact your game and fish department? If they are attacking pets, then they may try and take a child next.

[bunnydodger]

I contacted the CO Division of Wildlife, Animal Control, and the Town of Parker to make a report, but no one has gotten back to me yet.

I am greatly concerned that small children may be next.

[Smilie]

You would think someone would have already done something about the problem if there have been attacks. Very scary to hear. If you don't hear back from those departments that you have already contacted, maybe you should get in touch with an 'elected' official. Maybe they can do something to get the ball rolling. You never know.

[DebR]

I am so sorry for our loss. I have also lost a pet to coyote attack. It's a sad thing, but please know that Bruiser surely loved you as much as you did him. Be strong, it does get better.

Deb

[divingbiker]

Wow. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[sundial]

What a terrible way to lose your Bruiser! I'm so sorry you lost your little dear boy. I can't imagine the pain you must feel. Sending you lots of hugs.
Cathy, Kali, Niki, and Jodi Bell

[Smilie]

Coyotes have attacked children. Stories last year from California, and even Colorado teens on the ski slopes. It is rare, but it does happen. It is sad we have encroached on their territory.

Bunnydodger, have you seen this article about Parker? That is interesting that they had a 'rogue' pack. Odd phrasing.

[rij73]

Oh, I'm so sorry. This must be very traumatic for you! I can't imagine losing my dog in such a sudden and violent way. Cyberhugs to you... There's nothing more I can say. Very tragic...

[elk]

everyone's got coyotes now...coast to coast...

nevertheless...I am SOOOO sorry for your loss...I cannot imagine what must be going through your mind.

If it's any consolation, remember that we think differently than they do...try not to project.

[Biker Jo]

What a terrible way to lose a pet! My heart goes out to you.

[greenme]

So sorry to read about your pooch. We have coyotes in our neighbourhood and they scare the bejeezus out of me. (I have a mini-dachshund). From a distance, they look like dogs and then when you get a bit closer you see that isn't the case.

We've had other unwanted wildlife in our backyard and as they are protected, we were told they can't be killed but the suggestion we were given seems to have worked. We were told to put some open cups of bleach around the perimeter of the yard. I found that chlorine tablets (the kind you use in swimming pools) in an old cottage cheese container work great.

One at the gate between front and back yards, one on back fence near garbage bins and one at opposite end of back fence.

They're good because they won't spill like laundry bleach and last a long time. Evidently, it's the smell they don't like. My dog doesn't even notice them. Granted he's too short to reach or even see them.

Of course, keeping your garbage neat and tidy is very important.
Good luck!

[wackyjacky1]

What a terrible way to lose a pet! My heart goes out to you.

Ditto.

[Brandi]

I am so late with this but a big hug to you and your family! i lost a cat to a dog attack and found his body so I can really relate on all levels. My heart is with you. Hope the pain has subsided for you a bit.

[nancielle]

So sorry for your loss. How's your son doing with this?

[bmccasland]

That is awful to hear. Can you contact your game and fish department? If they are attacking pets, then they may try and take a child next.

I highly doubt a coyote has ever taken a child. They are opportunistic and very adaptive scavangers. The only native mammal to North America that has expanded their range with the on coming of White Man. Also they aren't known as Wile E Coyote for nothing.

Bunny, I'm sorry for your loss. There is a problem with the urban / wildlife interface, that humans need to accept. Coyotes have learned long ago that small dogs and kitties are tasty morsels. Coyotes are right up there with squirrels - if you trap them, another one will be right behind it to move into the territory. With coyotes in your area, you need to have a solid fence high enough that Wile E can't jump over. A split rail fence means your dogs can get out, and predators can get in. Have a friend in the hospital right now recovering from a dog escaping his yard through a rail fence and knocking my friend off his bike. But I digress.

If a "problem" animal is trapped, it will most likely be destroyed, as there's no place to move it. The joys of human population expansion and suburban sprawl. Unless the coyote is acting odd, or has attacked a human unprovoked, I highly doubt the local Animal Control or Game & Fish Department will do anything about it.

Coyotes are diurnal - they're most active in the evening and early morning hours. So your little dog was out at the same time Wile E was cruising for dinner. Wile E probably knew you had a dog, and was just checking to see if it was out, when unfortunatly the encounter occurred.

I'm sorry if this sounds a bit crass, but back when I was studying Wildlife Management in college, the joke was that we were actually studying Wild-People management, as the wildlife was doing fine without us humans. The trouble occurs when you add people to the mix. Despite how we like to deny it, we are all part of the predator-prey mix.

Ddin't mean to be this long winded either.