coyotes are getting BRAVE!

couggirl · 03-04-2006, 04:20 PM

This post could be in either dogs or cats! So I hope I put it in the right spot! Anyways, I had a terrifying experience with a coyote yesterday afternoon!!!! But an experience that opened my eyes to the great dogs that I have! I was in the house doing the dishes when I heard my 3 dogs barking like crazy at something in the pasture...Well, I just thought they were having fun as usual until I saw them showing their teeth and growling at something. (My pasture is no more than 15 ft. from the kitchen window) So I went out to see what it was and to my horror I saw a coyote standing over my 18 month old cat!!!

My cat kept trying to get away but to no avail. My dogs were circling the coyote and nipping at him. I told my dogs to get him so they attacked but the coyote just grapped my cat and tried take off with him. My instinct, however stupid it was, kicked in and I grabbed the nearby shovel and went after the coyote and started to beat it. He would not let go of my cat!! My cat was screaming bloody murder. Sends chills to my bone just thinking about it. Finally my german shepard jumped on top of him and the coyote dropped Sport, my kitty. Sport was just laying their crying but I couldn't get close enough to get him. So I told Hank (one of the dogs) to get him. And he went and grabbed him and brought him to me. Now this may sound crazy but he is a very talented/smart dog and has done service for physically disabled people and knows that command. After he did that he then continued to chase the coyote off. When all of this was said and done, Sport had some puncture wounds on his legs, chest and some scratches but nothing to serious the vet said. As for my dogs they didn't have a scratch on them! And love to tend to sport by licking his face when they come inside to see him!

But after I sat down and thought about it I can hardly believe that this coyote was so possessive and aggressive. Usually they run off at the sound of a dog. And the coyote had to come up into my yard to get to the pasture. AND this took place at 1:30 in the afternoon. These coyotes seem to be getting braver and braver and I'm not sure I like it!

Here are my savors! This is Buddy! He may be small but he can pack a mean punch

I will post a pic of my Sporty when I get a good pic of him...

This is Hank (Mcnab-4 1/2 years old) and Jayko (German Shepard 2 yrs. old)

here they are together!

pasomystic · 03-04-2006, 04:32 PM

Good work, dogs!! Yes, the coyotes are getting more difficult--more people means more opportunities for coyotes to try snacking on small pets, and also, people moving into areas means coyotes do find more to eat and less to worry about, get used to people, and can become a big problem. There are very active packs around here--my cat is very grateful for my two Rhodesians, believe me. I bet you are so proud of your dogs!

couggirl · 03-04-2006, 04:58 PM

I am very proud!

I just love the fact that my dogs absolutely love other animals and people but have the innate instinct to tell the difference between a predator and a friend. It makes my night much easier!

I am amazed by animals everyday and their capabilities as a loyal companion!

**divinemisselle** · 03-04-2006, 05:26 PM

Your dogs were protecting one of their family! Good Babies! I'm glad that Sport was not hurt worse!

Give the heros an extra treat!

Shepdog · 03-04-2006, 05:57 PM

First off, I'm glad your cat was okay... and I'm glad your dogs and you were as well. I have unfortunately hit the point myself that coyotes who will not head for the high hills that close to a human (and mind you, I did help with a rescue facility for canids at one time, including coyotes) will be unceremoniously removed from the gene pool, and go on to make a pair of very nice earmuffs.

I'm also just warning you - I don't know if I'd be very keen on letting my cat (or other small pets) out again for a while, if you can do so. Coyotes tend to hunt an area hard - once they become domestic animal eaters, they will try over and over and over again. This one's bold because it has succeeded in the past, and cats that live with dogs often make a very fatal mistake - they don't run. They stand their ground, because they really do think it's a dog.

But after I sat down and thought about it I can hardly believe that this coyote was so possessive and aggressive. Usually they run off at the sound of a dog. And the coyote had to come up into my yard to get to the pasture. AND this took place at 1:30 in the afternoon. These coyotes seem to be getting braver and braver and I'm not sure I like it!

You're now seeing the urban coyote at his/her full capacity, is what's going on. Really, truly, they are becoming the top predator in urban environments; the reason they don't fear is that other things (people/wolves/cougar) don't hunt them in these sorts of areas. There was an interesting study done a few years ago about coyotes in Yellowstone - reintroducing the wolf has truly affected the coyote population, with packs losing 25-33% of their members each winter. They also spend less time resting and more time on guard, and are much shyer than even five years ago.

One of the things that really may make a difference for cats in coyote predator areas is that they should NOT wear a collar with bells or tags. Coyotes quickly realize that the jingle is the dinner bell, and the cat's chances of survival are incredibly compromised.

Like I said, I'm glad Sport's okay. He's incredibly lucky to have three dogs who kept him from being carried off and killed, and a mom who can obviously whack a coyote with the best of them.

Remind me that if I come back in another life as a coyote, I should stay out of your yard when I'm hungry. *grin*

(And your Shepherd is a very handsome boy, too.)

**Range** · 03-04-2006, 06:33 PM

I went through similar experiences this summer and I have a small dog! He doesn't get to come outside much because our coyote packs have discovered that chickens and cats have lived here and that chickens are easy kills. I had a coyote come up to the deck and kill a chicken while I was ten feet away!
We don't even live in an urban area, but the coyotes have no fear. They barely have fear of my two big dogs. One morning about a month ago, my one big dog was outside by herself, barking, so I went to check. In my robe, slippers, cereal bowl in hand. The cereal bowl ended up being thrown at two coyotes by the house, menacing my baby Girl!
My husband was home last week and said there was a coyote ON OUR DECK at 11:30 in the morning!
These are NOT urban coyotes, but they are a menace. I love all animals, but I WILL shoot a coyote if it is on my place! I've lost an uncountable amount of ducks, chickens, and cats to these nasties and I'm not about to lose a dog!

Good for your dogs! Makes you proud to have them. Love them up good and give them LOTS of extra treats!

couggirl · 03-04-2006, 07:11 PM

Thanks for all of your concerns! Shepdog, I completely understand and agree with what you are saying!! We know that this coyote was a huge danger to all of our animals...and to us!!

That is a very uneasy feeling. Luckily, I knew that this coyote needed to be terminated ASAP. When the dogs attacked the coyote after I got sport I knew that it was going to be seriously hurt. So I went and got my friend, (who can kill these things without a conscience) and we went out looking for it and sure enough he was under a very large bush/tree no more than 100 yards from my house!! Most likely waiting until he was better to do the same thing again. He actually had an eyeball hanging out of it's socket and a most definately broken front leg. Even though this animal attacked my cat I still felt sorry for it but we had to shoot it. I hate doing that but it's for the better. I will stop at nothing to protect my animals from such horrible menaces!!

And that shovel did just the trick!

As for what you said about the collar...I am kicking myself in the butt cause he does where a collar with a heart shaped tag on it

and you can hear him coming a mile away! So as you can imagine when you mentioned that it all made sense. He is no longer wearing it. You can see the collar in the pics!

So Sport will not be going outside for awhile just cause he has to recoup and my mind needs to be at ease that there aren't any more hunger crazed coyotes running about. And my baby boys are getting lots of loves and kisses! :love7: Plus, tonight they are getting a huge treat!! They get to sleep on the BED with me tonight!!

I am about 5'3" and 110 lbs and i have a California Queen...they fit with room to spare!

Here he is before the attack: The second pic looks like he has only one leg

Seanachie · 03-04-2006, 08:00 PM

Glad to hear your animals are going to be OK. You may want to consider booster shots for rabies for all of them......

couggirl · 03-04-2006, 08:29 PM

Yep!! Already thought of that and we gave them their shots!

Cowboyskeeper · 03-04-2006, 10:34 PM

First of all, WAY TO GO DOGS!!!!

That is very scary. In our area we have not only coyotes, but coyote/dogs. It is becoming a real problem. There is no animal control here and strays are breeding with coyotes, these hybrids have hardly any fear of humans and are tenacious hunters. I have personally seen two and you can tell that they are part coyote. We even had one of our horses get attacked! She is quite old and has ringbone, she gets around okay, but cannot turn quickly. They bit her hind legs several times. We had to move her into a paddock near the house where we could watch more closely. I hate to kill any animal, but these coyote/dogs are nothing but trouble.

Stephanie

sheri7785 · 03-06-2006, 09:27 AM

Definitely update the animals shots including your cats. I can't believe you got your cat back from that coyote. The next thing I would do is go invest in a rifle and learn how to shoot it. You don't want them coming around the house. With time they will attack your dogs too. Coyotes are not nice creatures. We had a pack by where we used to live that would drive the horses nuts. Our "herd protector" would round up all the horses, put them into a dry lot close to the house and wait for them to come close then chase them off. The coyotes didn't know what to do with a ticked off TWH coming their way. I would definitely get a rifle though. Ask anyone who knows me how gentle I am and they will all tell you unless my child, dog, or horses are in danger I can't hurt a fly. If any of the three are watch out cuz when I find my weapon of choice someone pays.

Faceman · 03-06-2006, 12:39 PM

Better yet, get a shotgun with an open choke - you don't have to learn to shoot it, just point it in the general direction and watch the fur fly...

Sundance · 03-06-2006, 12:56 PM

First off, you have very loyal canines there! They're quite a blessing for you! Second, I can't belive just 1 coyote would venture that close to your house and stick around when the dogs started barking! Coyotes would normally bolt when being pursued by your dogs regardless of if they have a catch of not! I'm glad Sport is okay! I love the part of you beating it with a shovel! Way to go!

Coyotes are a real problem in my area but the DNR is just like "Coyotes? What coyotes?" (That's a whole other story) Any farmer around here can tell you about the coyotes, we've all had our livestock either attacked or the

scared out of them by coyotes.

dunsrin · 03-06-2006, 02:33 PM

Yep, they are a problem for us too. Nothing keeps them out.

rodeobrat · 03-07-2006, 02:08 PM

We have them here in NC too. I had one kill a chicken of mine and a pig too. The other week I saw one trotting down our driveway. On rural route 9 in SC you see them all the time. Dead and alive!

03-04-2006, 04:20 PM
couggirl Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Touchet, WA Posts: 406	coyotes are getting BRAVE! This post could be in either dogs or cats! So I hope I put it in the right spot! Anyways, I had a terrifying experience with a coyote yesterday afternoon!!!! But an experience that opened my eyes to the great dogs that I have! I was in the house doing the dishes when I heard my 3 dogs barking like crazy at something in the pasture...Well, I just thought they were having fun as usual until I saw them showing their teeth and growling at something. (My pasture is no more than 15 ft. from the kitchen window) So I went out to see what it was and to my horror I saw a coyote standing over my 18 month old cat!!! My cat kept trying to get away but to no avail. My dogs were circling the coyote and nipping at him. I told my dogs to get him so they attacked but the coyote just grapped my cat and tried take off with him. My instinct, however stupid it was, kicked in and I grabbed the nearby shovel and went after the coyote and started to beat it. He would not let go of my cat!! My cat was screaming bloody murder. Sends chills to my bone just thinking about it. Finally my german shepard jumped on top of him and the coyote dropped Sport, my kitty. Sport was just laying their crying but I couldn't get close enough to get him. So I told Hank (one of the dogs) to get him. And he went and grabbed him and brought him to me. Now this may sound crazy but he is a very talented/smart dog and has done service for physically disabled people and knows that command. After he did that he then continued to chase the coyote off. When all of this was said and done, Sport had some puncture wounds on his legs, chest and some scratches but nothing to serious the vet said. As for my dogs they didn't have a scratch on them! And love to tend to sport by licking his face when they come inside to see him! But after I sat down and thought about it I can hardly believe that this coyote was so possessive and aggressive. Usually they run off at the sound of a dog. And the coyote had to come up into my yard to get to the pasture. AND this took place at 1:30 in the afternoon. These coyotes seem to be getting braver and braver and I'm not sure I like it! Here are my savors! This is Buddy! He may be small but he can pack a mean punch I will post a pic of my Sporty when I get a good pic of him... This is Hank (Mcnab-4 1/2 years old) and Jayko (German Shepard 2 yrs. old) here they are together! __________________ Don\'t let today\'s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow\'s dreams

03-04-2006, 04:32 PM
pasomystic Coming two Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta Posts: 1,531	Good work, dogs!! Yes, the coyotes are getting more difficult--more people means more opportunities for coyotes to try snacking on small pets, and also, people moving into areas means coyotes do find more to eat and less to worry about, get used to people, and can become a big problem. There are very active packs around here--my cat is very grateful for my two Rhodesians, believe me. I bet you are so proud of your dogs! __________________ We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are.

03-04-2006, 04:58 PM
couggirl Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Touchet, WA Posts: 406	I am very proud! I just love the fact that my dogs absolutely love other animals and people but have the innate instinct to tell the difference between a predator and a friend. It makes my night much easier! I am amazed by animals everyday and their capabilities as a loyal companion! __________________ Don\'t let today\'s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow\'s dreams

03-04-2006, 05:26 PM
divinemisselle Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 6,661	Your dogs were protecting one of their family! Good Babies! I'm glad that Sport was not hurt worse! Give the heros an extra treat! __________________ . If Everything Seems to Be Going Right... You Have Obviously Overlooked Something. ~Steven Wright

03-04-2006, 05:57 PM
Shepdog Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In the doghouse... no, literally. Posts: 658	First off, I'm glad your cat was okay... and I'm glad your dogs and you were as well. I have unfortunately hit the point myself that coyotes who will not head for the high hills that close to a human (and mind you, I did help with a rescue facility for canids at one time, including coyotes) will be unceremoniously removed from the gene pool, and go on to make a pair of very nice earmuffs. I'm also just warning you - I don't know if I'd be very keen on letting my cat (or other small pets) out again for a while, if you can do so. Coyotes tend to hunt an area hard - once they become domestic animal eaters, they will try over and over and over again. This one's bold because it has succeeded in the past, and cats that live with dogs often make a very fatal mistake - they don't run. They stand their ground, because they really do think it's a dog. But after I sat down and thought about it I can hardly believe that this coyote was so possessive and aggressive. Usually they run off at the sound of a dog. And the coyote had to come up into my yard to get to the pasture. AND this took place at 1:30 in the afternoon. These coyotes seem to be getting braver and braver and I'm not sure I like it! You're now seeing the urban coyote at his/her full capacity, is what's going on. Really, truly, they are becoming the top predator in urban environments; the reason they don't fear is that other things (people/wolves/cougar) don't hunt them in these sorts of areas. There was an interesting study done a few years ago about coyotes in Yellowstone - reintroducing the wolf has truly affected the coyote population, with packs losing 25-33% of their members each winter. They also spend less time resting and more time on guard, and are much shyer than even five years ago. One of the things that really may make a difference for cats in coyote predator areas is that they should NOT wear a collar with bells or tags. Coyotes quickly realize that the jingle is the dinner bell, and the cat's chances of survival are incredibly compromised. Like I said, I'm glad Sport's okay. He's incredibly lucky to have three dogs who kept him from being carried off and killed, and a mom who can obviously whack a coyote with the best of them. Remind me that if I come back in another life as a coyote, I should stay out of your yard when I'm hungry. grin (And your Shepherd is a very handsome boy, too.)

03-04-2006, 06:33 PM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,898	coyotes I went through similar experiences this summer and I have a small dog! He doesn't get to come outside much because our coyote packs have discovered that chickens and cats have lived here and that chickens are easy kills. I had a coyote come up to the deck and kill a chicken while I was ten feet away! We don't even live in an urban area, but the coyotes have no fear. They barely have fear of my two big dogs. One morning about a month ago, my one big dog was outside by herself, barking, so I went to check. In my robe, slippers, cereal bowl in hand. The cereal bowl ended up being thrown at two coyotes by the house, menacing my baby Girl! My husband was home last week and said there was a coyote ON OUR DECK at 11:30 in the morning! These are NOT urban coyotes, but they are a menace. I love all animals, but I WILL shoot a coyote if it is on my place! I've lost an uncountable amount of ducks, chickens, and cats to these nasties and I'm not about to lose a dog! Good for your dogs! Makes you proud to have them. Love them up good and give them LOTS of extra treats! __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

03-04-2006, 07:11 PM
couggirl Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Touchet, WA Posts: 406	Thanks for all of your concerns! Shepdog, I completely understand and agree with what you are saying!! We know that this coyote was a huge danger to all of our animals...and to us!! That is a very uneasy feeling. Luckily, I knew that this coyote needed to be terminated ASAP. When the dogs attacked the coyote after I got sport I knew that it was going to be seriously hurt. So I went and got my friend, (who can kill these things without a conscience) and we went out looking for it and sure enough he was under a very large bush/tree no more than 100 yards from my house!! Most likely waiting until he was better to do the same thing again. He actually had an eyeball hanging out of it's socket and a most definately broken front leg. Even though this animal attacked my cat I still felt sorry for it but we had to shoot it. I hate doing that but it's for the better. I will stop at nothing to protect my animals from such horrible menaces!! And that shovel did just the trick! As for what you said about the collar...I am kicking myself in the butt cause he does where a collar with a heart shaped tag on it and you can hear him coming a mile away! So as you can imagine when you mentioned that it all made sense. He is no longer wearing it. You can see the collar in the pics! So Sport will not be going outside for awhile just cause he has to recoup and my mind needs to be at ease that there aren't any more hunger crazed coyotes running about. And my baby boys are getting lots of loves and kisses! :love7: Plus, tonight they are getting a huge treat!! They get to sleep on the BED with me tonight!! I am about 5'3" and 110 lbs and i have a California Queen...they fit with room to spare! Here he is before the attack: The second pic looks like he has only one leg __________________ Don\'t let today\'s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow\'s dreams

03-04-2006, 08:00 PM
Seanachie Started Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,272	Glad to hear your animals are going to be OK. You may want to consider booster shots for rabies for all of them...... __________________ Seánachie "I'll keep my guns, my religion, and my money - you can keep the change."

03-04-2006, 08:29 PM
couggirl Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Touchet, WA Posts: 406	Yep!! Already thought of that and we gave them their shots! __________________ Don\'t let today\'s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow\'s dreams

03-04-2006, 10:34 PM
Cowboyskeeper Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 201	First of all, WAY TO GO DOGS!!!! That is very scary. In our area we have not only coyotes, but coyote/dogs. It is becoming a real problem. There is no animal control here and strays are breeding with coyotes, these hybrids have hardly any fear of humans and are tenacious hunters. I have personally seen two and you can tell that they are part coyote. We even had one of our horses get attacked! She is quite old and has ringbone, she gets around okay, but cannot turn quickly. They bit her hind legs several times. We had to move her into a paddock near the house where we could watch more closely. I hate to kill any animal, but these coyote/dogs are nothing but trouble. Stephanie __________________ A closed mouth gathers no foot.

03-06-2006, 09:27 AM
sheri7785 Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Omaha Posts: 1,074	Definitely update the animals shots including your cats. I can't believe you got your cat back from that coyote. The next thing I would do is go invest in a rifle and learn how to shoot it. You don't want them coming around the house. With time they will attack your dogs too. Coyotes are not nice creatures. We had a pack by where we used to live that would drive the horses nuts. Our "herd protector" would round up all the horses, put them into a dry lot close to the house and wait for them to come close then chase them off. The coyotes didn't know what to do with a ticked off TWH coming their way. I would definitely get a rifle though. Ask anyone who knows me how gentle I am and they will all tell you unless my child, dog, or horses are in danger I can't hurt a fly. If any of the three are watch out cuz when I find my weapon of choice someone pays.

03-06-2006, 12:39 PM
Faceman Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Arkansas Ozarks Posts: 7,260	Better yet, get a shotgun with an open choke - you don't have to learn to shoot it, just point it in the general direction and watch the fur fly... __________________ Read what I said, not what you THINK I said...

03-06-2006, 12:56 PM
Sundance Coming two Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,574	First off, you have very loyal canines there! They're quite a blessing for you! Second, I can't belive just 1 coyote would venture that close to your house and stick around when the dogs started barking! Coyotes would normally bolt when being pursued by your dogs regardless of if they have a catch of not! I'm glad Sport is okay! I love the part of you beating it with a shovel! Way to go! Coyotes are a real problem in my area but the DNR is just like "Coyotes? What coyotes?" (That's a whole other story) Any farmer around here can tell you about the coyotes, we've all had our livestock either attacked or the scared out of them by coyotes. __________________ Contrary to popular belief, seeing spots is a good thing...

03-06-2006, 02:33 PM
dunsrin Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 8	Yep, they are a problem for us too. Nothing keeps them out.

03-07-2006, 02:08 PM
rodeobrat Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 232	We have them here in NC too. I had one kill a chicken of mine and a pig too. The other week I saw one trotting down our driveway. On rural route 9 in SC you see them all the time. Dead and alive!