Haven't received many sighting reports lately, but that doesn't mean coyotes aren't out there. It may actually mean people are doing a better job of encouraging them to keep their distance, by not leaving out food, or trying to spook them when spotted. Outdoor pets remain at risk, as evidenced by a sad (and slightly graphic) note just received from Clay, one of two reports ahead:
From Clay:
Last night we lost our cat to what we believe was a Coyote. (The cat was not hit by a car, rather it was strategically eaten at from the center with a rip in the neck.) We found our cat, beloved "Mr. Piggles," on the sidewalk near our home on 44th near Director in the Fauntleroy area [map]. There are Coyotes in the Ravine near our home over by the Fauntleroy YMCA, so perhaps send a reminder out to folks to remind them of their presence and to keep their pets in after dark as breeding season appears to be on.They come out in the daytime too, as you can see if you browse the WSB archive of sighting reports. We also had one in queue from Jacqueline, who saw a coyote a little over a week ago, early in the morning:
5:45 am at Kenyon and 31st. Spooked him/her as I was walking two dogs at a blind corner. Coyote ran about 50 feet away and stopped. We stopped and watched him/her for a few minutes while it watched us. Approximately 24 inches tall, very lean, approximately 30 – 36″ long.As always, we refer you to the state Fish and Wildlife Department's "Living With Coyotes" infopage, including the advice about what to do if you have a close encounter – don't just stand there and gawk, actively scare it away, by yelling, waving your arms, even throwing rocks. The warier they are of humans, the better chance they'll keep their distance.
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