Coyote Attacks Keep Pet Owners on High Alert

Geist resident Mary Kay Carney’s dog, Hawk-eye, has suffered three attacks by area coyotes, and is healing from extensive and most-likely permanent nerve damage.

Mary Kay Carney loves animals. In fact, she is an avid pet owner, and also provides care and shelter for rescued animals while finding them loving homes. She appreciates and respects wildlife as well, but as a Geist resident living at The Preserves, she has found that residing with both domestic animals and the area coyotes that live in the surrounding woods can cause conflict … and heartache.

“I just want other pet owners to be aware of what I’ve gone through, so they can protect their pets,” says Carney, whose one-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix, Hawk-eye, has been injured three different times by coyotes, with the most recent near-death attack causing what is probably permanent nerve damage.

“Our German Shepherd, Sable, has also been stalked three different times by two coyotes during all hours of the day,” says Carney. “Luckily, she has escaped injury, just because our presence scared them away each time.”

Carney, who has lived in her current home for 11 years, is increasingly frustrated by the endless worry over possible coyote attacks. “I love it here, but I’ve also become so aggravated by what I see as an increase in the coyote population and the levels of aggression they display. It really makes it difficult,” she says.

“If the coyotes are aggressive with large breeds like my dogs, then they’ll not think twice about attacking smaller breeds,” says Carney. She also expresses concern for young children in the neighborhood, who regularly trek through the surrounding woods and build forts or play. “I just hope that pet owners and parents will realize that precautions need to be made in order to ensure that everyone’s safe.”

According to Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), coyotes were uncommon in Indiana until the early 1970s. Since then, they have increased in population and are not only present in every county, but are common in urban areas as well.

“Coyotes are highly adaptable, and they will take an easy meal when available,” says Phil Bloom, DNR’s director of communications. “Although they mainly feed on small mammals, like rodents, they will certainly feed on garbage, as well as on house cats or small dogs.”

“When any urban area grows and develops, there will be conflict between humans and wildlife,” Bloom says. “Our best advice for residents is to follow the recommendations from the DNR and be aware of your surroundings.”

DNR recommendations for keeping your pets safe from coyotes include:

  • Feed pets indoors whenever possible; pick up leftovers if feeding outdoors and store pet and livestock food in inaccessible areas.
  • Eliminate outdoor water bowls and other artificial water sources (if possible).
  • Position bird feeders in locations that are less likely to attract small animals, or bring feeders in at night (to keep coyotes from feeding on the bird food or the other animals).
  • Do not discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it. Secure garbage containers.
  • Trim and clean shrubbery near ground level to reduce hiding cover for coyotes or their prey.
  • Do not allow pets to run free, and provide secure nighttime housing for them.
  • If you see coyotes around your home, discourage them by shouting, making loud noises or throwing rocks, but never corner a coyote – always give the coyote a free escape route.

If the coyotes are getting more aggressive towards humans and pets, setting up Coyote snares is highly recommended.

For more information about coyotes and other nuisance wildlife, visit the DNR’s website at www.in.gov/dnr.

Comments 2

  1. kathi says:

    Does she leave her dogs out in the yard all day or something? I would NEVER leave my dogs out unattended, even in a fenced yard…coyotes or not, any more than I would leave my children outside unattended. I'd love to hear more about how these attacks happened.
    p.s. I also had a cat attacked by a coyote, but she got outside overnight (and yes, was unattended).

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