Officials caution the public to keep a closer eye on family pets as coyote attacks have been reported during its breeding season.
“My sweet River was out of my sight for just a few minutes when she was attacked by a coyote,” a local pet owner said on social media Monday.
“Eight puncture wounds, mostly around her neck and head. She is on the road to recovery, but she is emotionally a mess,” she continued. “Please watch your critters if you walk them in the country. Those darn coyotes are preparing for mating season and have no mercy.”
Sheri Ashford, Baby Gunn’s Animal Rescue adoption coordinator, said she is aware of at least three family pets injured within the past two weeks — two of which did not survive.
“Many missing cats as well and then the border collie was attacked while the owner had stepped away for a few minutes,” she said. “It had eight puncture marks on its neck and survived.”
Nocturnal, the coyote is considered very opportunistic and will eat just about anything. TPWD said they will feed primarily on rabbits, rodents and insects.
“We’re a rural community,” Texas Game Warden Bryan Calihan said. “They’re everywhere — Reno, Blossom, the walking trail, behind the civic center. We’re in one of those areas where coyotes can thrive.”
Calihan and Ashford offer a few tips in protecting and ensuring pet safety during these next few months, and thereafter.
When taking the pet outside, both said if there is no secure, fenced-in area where coyotes can get in, go out with them.
“Do not let your pets out to run around and roam for sure,” Ashford said. “Get your pet to the vet as soon as possible if attacked. It could have internal injuries as well as the obvious — puncture wounds.”
Calihan said keeping the pets close by when letting them out to use the bathroom can help keep them safe.
“I wouldn’t let pets out early in the morning and late in the evening by themselves, especially if they’re small,” he said. “To try to keep them from being attacked by a coyote, being out there will help because they’re usually scared of people.”
If a coyote mauls a pet, Calihan said, “if you’re somewhere where you can use a firearm either shoot it or scare it away.”
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, coyote breeding season runs between mid-January into early March.
If you believe you have a coyote problem in your area, contact local law enforcement.
“We have access to a few trappers who can help,” Calihan said. “If it’s within the city limits, animal control helps.”
Texas Game Warden’s phone number is 409-283-7702 and Paris’s animal control can be contacted at 903-784-6860.
Photo: Baby Gunn’s Animal Rescue social media
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