BAY VILLAGE, Ohio — The Bay Village Police Department is warning residents after a dog was attacked by a group of coyotes this week. The canine's injuries were so bad the owners decided to put it down.
Pamela Neumann was at work Tuesday night, when her daughter texted her that coyotes had attacked their dog.
The daughter had let their chihuahua, Colt, outside, when he was ambushed.
"She heard yelping and screaming and came out and there were like five coyotes staring her in the face attacking my dog," Pamela told 3News. "Five coyotes. She was terrified, screamed at the top of her lungs. She told me she screamed four times really loud and they finally left. She swooped up our dog and ran in the house."
Pamela came home to a tragic and bloody scene.
"I found her (daughter) sobbing in the back in our family room, and the dog was wrapped in a bunch of towels laying on the floor," she said.
Colt suffered broken ribs, a torso laceration, and a jugular injury.
The veterinarian wasn't sure if Colt would survive surgery at 13-years-old. Plus, the cost of surgery and after-care were so high that through heavy tears, the family decided it was best to put the chihuahua down.
"So we sobbed and sobbed for a while and just really processed what our options were and then we really had to put him down and that was very heart-wrenching," Pamela shared. "We did get to say goodbye to him as he sat in my daughter's lap. He was awake, but he was in severe pain. He did shed a little tear. So he was a warrior."
Pamela has asked the Bay Village Police Department and animal control to address coyotes in the area and they told her they're working on a plan.
“It's absolutely horrible," said Lieutenant Mark Palmer with the Bay Village Police Department. "Our pets are members of our family. Our hearts definitely go out to the dog owner."
Palmer also shared a piece of advice regarding coyotes.
“The main thing is all food sources need to be inside your house. Don't leave them outside. Stay with your animals when they're outside. Even if you have a fenced-in yard, coyotes can jump and climb fences. So you want to make sure you're out there."
The Bay Village Police Department posted information about the encounter involving Pamela's dog Colt and the coyotes, plus helpful information on its Facebook page.
"We understand that similar events (and close calls) have happened in other local cities. The BVPD and the City Administration is closely monitoring the situation. We are working with the city Animal Control Officer to explore ways to help mitigate the problem," said Bay Village police officials on their Facebook page.
Following the incident with Colt, police are asking residents not to leave their cats and dogs outside unattended.
The Bay Village Police Department shared the following information with residents:
Will a coyote kill my cat?
While it is certainly possible for coyote-cat interactions to occur, there are ways to help avoid them. The best way to keep your cat safe is to ensure that it is indoors and that you leave no food or water bowls out overnight.
Will a coyote kill my dog?
Coyotes do not typically look to kill dogs. Most coyote-dog interactions occur when the dog is off leash and chases the coyote. The best way to keep your dog safe is to keep it on leash when you are outside with it. Remember, there is a leash law in Ohio. Also, most adult coyotes weigh between 25 and 35 pounds and they seldom weigh more than 45 pounds. Coyotes typically will not go after an animal larger than itself. Even small dogs often prove to be too much of a hassle for coyotes to deal with.
What about attacks on people?
Coyote attacks, especially in the Eastern US, are VERY uncommon. In Northeast Ohio there has only been one documented “attack” on a person. That coyote was quickly trapped and consequently tested positive for rabies.
What do coyotes eat?
A coyote’s diet mainly consists of small rodents. Coyotes will feed on any type of road kill they can find. Also, a large portion of their diet consists of vegetative matter such as fruits and grasses. Never intentionally feed a coyote.
Why does there seems to be an increase in the coyote population around me?
The data from the Ohio Division of Wildlife suggests that the coyote population overall in Ohio is stabilizing. However, coyotes will move around and occupy new areas for several reasons. It could be that some younger coyotes are dispersing from their mother’s home range in the Fall. It could also be that your area has an abundant source of rodents upon which they can feed. If you have bird feeders, it is a good idea to make sure all bird seed is cleaned up off of the ground daily to lower the number of rodents around your home.
Do coyotes hunt in packs?
No. The only time you may see multiple coyotes hunting together is when the mother is teaching its pups how to hunt. However, even in these situations there is no coordinated attack.
Is it unusual to see a coyote out during the daytime?
No. Coyotes have learned to adapt to city living very well. Especially in the Spring and Fall you will regularly see coyotes out during the day. In the Spring they are spending more time looking for small rodents to feed the pups. In the Fall the previous years’ pups are forced to leave and look for areas unoccupied by other coyotes. Because of their great adaption to cities, they regularly hear doors slamming, dogs barking, people talking, etc. So, they get used to those noises when they are out moving around. It is normal behavior for them to pay no attention to people. A good rule-of-thumb is that a sick coyote will look and act sick. They will have hair loss, stumble when they walk, or continuously approach and/or growl at people. If you notice any of these situations notify the police department immediately at 440-871-1234.
Anyone seeking additional advice on the situation is asked to contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife's Akron office at 330-644-2293.
In July, 3News' Kaitor Kay spoke with a Brunswick man after his two dogs were severely injured in a coyote attack.