Coyote Attack in Harrison Township

On Monday March 8th Snickers, an 11 year old terrier mix, was attacked by three coyotes in his own back yard.  Snickers survived the attack but was left with 16 puncture wounds, some of which required stitches.  After the attack three coyotes were seen outside the fenced yard.  Even though there is a history of digging under the fence there were no holes under the fence.  Thus Snicker's mom suspects the coyotes jumped the fence into her backyard.

While there have been no reports of other attacks in the Harrison Township, there have been numerous sightings.  Locals in Eastpointe, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and Grosse Pointe areas have reported coyote attacks on pets. 

Coyotes sightings have gone up as people move further into the country and the coyotes shift their hunting grounds.  What does this mean for pet owners?  First off owners need to be aware that wildlife attacks can happen even in an urban environment.  Small to medium sized dogs are the most at risk and should be supervised during dusk and nighttime hours when coyotes are especially active.  Coyotes are pack hunters and if they are in large enough numbers may attack larger dogs as well.  If owners see a coyote in their neighborhood they should call local authorities so the pack movement and activity level in residental areas can be tracked.

This story was first reported n the C&G Newspaper and can be seen here.