[CorkyMax]

This was in my news this morning. Putting it here as a reminder about coyotes!!

Police: Coyote Attacks Dog On West Side - Madison News Story - WISC Madison

[Lunareclipse]

This is a good reason to never leave your dog unattended outside. They fall prey to wolves and coyotes and in some places large cats. You'd never leave your 2 year old outside by themselves. Why do people leave their dogs out unattended? And then there are those people who just allow their dogs to run wherever they please. My SIL's dog had it's ear tore off by an unknown animal and she allows it to run loose.

[MaraX]

You are right Luna, Never leave your dog unattended.

[piratekitty]

Thats why I have a double fence, 8 ft completely fenced back yard. We have coyotes that run in the field behind our home. Last summer they were out hunting on a warm night, ( as they always do ) my bedroom slider was open with the screen door closed. I was awakend by Ninas cry bark from our kitchen, then I hear a coyote yipping back at her. This coyote was barking back at her like a dog. Nina freaked. It scared me because of the calling from the coyote to my dog. I knew we were fine because of my fencing. I never let my dogs sleep with us. But I did that night because Nina wouldnt stop shaking, she was that scared. That coyotes bark back was notting I ever heard before, It was as if it was trying to trick Nina in to coming out. I walk my fence often to make sure all fencing is strong and safe and nothing can get in. A lot of cats go missing from our street. My cat lived to be 20, I never let her out at night for that reason. One of the dogs that live down at the end of our road was bitten by a coyote, but they dont have a fenced yard, this dog was a sheltie.

[Lara's mom]

In Toronto in the last couple of years, there have been a few attacks by coyotes on dogs and cats. None survived. You are far more at risk in areas where there is a forest-like environment. Best advice? Stay VERY close to your dog.

[lange]

This is probably a stupid question but can coyotes climb fences? I know some dogs can....tho not most thankfully.

[Pupernickel]

@Lange: There are no stupid questions when it comes to something like this IMO, and I believe some can JUMP fences, like most large dogs! I know my friends SIL bought a little dachshund puppy for her daughter's 5th birthday (not the best gift for a five-year old I thought...) on the condition it couldn't be in the house (I know, I was saying wtf as well) only to have the poor little thing carried off by a coyote that jumped their measly fence. I got teary-eyed when she told me what happened and was so angry to learn that her SIL and family were completely unaffected by what happened. Some people really shouldn't own dogs.

[Lunareclipse]

yes, they can jump and climb fences. My outdoor kennel has a roof on it to prevent something like that from happening. If my dogs aren't in the house or the outdoor kennel, I keep a very close eye on them. For some reason, the people that move into the apartments down the street just turn their dogs or cats loose rather than finding a home for them or taking them to the shelter. The apartments don't allow pets and is a big reason why there are so many homeless animals running about in our area.

[lange]

Usually I don't much think about wild animals around our neighborhood but this year (actually, last year) there's been some sightings and video of coyotes in Chicago, so they are out there.. I just wonder where they stay during the day. They look so cute too :|

[piratekitty]

Originally Posted by lange

Usually I don't much think about wild animals around our neighborhood but this year (actually, last year) there's been some sightings and video of coyotes in Chicago, so they are out there.. I just wonder where they stay during the day. They look so cute too :|

I think what is happening is the coyotes, and racoons are becoming urban and adapting to city neighborhoods, because so much developments are taking away their forest. last summer I found a racoon on my employers deck when I went out in the mornng to water all the flowers, this was right in a down town high rise living area. That racoon had to go up 5 flight of stairs to get to where it was. And it was not happy to see me.
The only wild life I see durring the day behind my house are deer. Dusk I have seen Racoons in rain ditches, late night have hear coyotes yaping. And I see a ton of rabbits every day darting across the street coming out of my neighborhood.

[Lara's mom]

Animal Control in Toronto has tried numerous times to catch that blasted coyote and he/she has outwitted them every time.