My morning with coyotes and dogs…
We live in Marysville, WA; we’re about 35-40 minutes north of Seattle, WA on a good traffic day. On a bad traffic day it can take over an hour to get home. I take the train, a 50 minute ride that allows me to get a lot of blogging work done. But I’m rambling, because it’s 4 in the morning and I’ve been up since 3 on a roller coaster ride that no dog parent should have to experience. I learned a lot about coyotes and dogs in the past 2 hours.
Our morning routine started a little earlier thanks to a compressor going off at 3am. I couldn’t get back to sleep so I figured…”Why not start the day early?”
Lack of sleep = bad decisions
I should have known not to let the dogs out in the main yard that early, but I wasn’t thinking and thought they’d stay close. We live on 5 acres and they can run off and still be on the property within sight. Even if coyotes were nearby, the dogs wouldn’t go after them; right? Everything was fine until Blue and Sydney started barking – the big, scary dog barks, you know what I mean. Dammit; Rodrigo went off to protect his territory and my heart stopped.
I took Sydney and Blue inside, grabbed the “police flashlight” – a tool and a weapon- and started running and praying as I listened the sounds of a dog fight.
Rodrigo comes home
I ran directly to Rodrigo (who was jogging towards me), covered from head to toe in red. No time for a melt down. I took him to the shower to figure out where the blood was coming from; neck wound? He was bitten in the muzzle. My boyfriend applied 10 minutes of pressure to stop the free flow (props to him for not giving me a lecture about 3 am and coyotes) and now I’m sitting here with three sleeping dogs.
photo: ZionNPS
On to the list: 10 things I’ve learned about coyotes and dogs
Coyotes look like small dogs: It took living in Marysville for a while before I could identify a coyote; at first I thought someone’s dog was lost on our property. In our area, they’re about 35-40 pounds (Blue’s size), with a greyish-brown coat, and they run with their tail tucked between their legs.
Coyotes are naturally afraid of humans: Whenever we see a coyote on our property, we make lots of noise and they run away. Just because they have a natural fear of us doesn’t mean that we’re safe from them, so don’t approach them, feed them, or let your dog approach them. If you see a coyote in your yard, reinforce their fear by making loud noises, waving your arms; my thought is that by doing this, I’m letting them know that this territory is taken.
Coyotes go for small animals: Coyotes will attack animals that are smaller than they are; small dogs, cats, as well as local wildlife (bunnies, squirrels, rodents, etc). Pictures of missing cats and small dogs are common in our area.
Local coyotes hunt in packs for bigger prey: When I read that coyotes hunt for small animals; that made sense. When I read that coyotes can’t tell the difference between their natural prey and pets; that made sense to me. Then I remembered the hunt on our property for deer; not a smaller animal. It only takes one or two coyotes to go after smaller prey, while a pack will work together to take down something larger. That summer hunt may be why we have coyotes so close to our home right now.
Larger dogs aren’t necessarily safe: Coyotes tend not to go after larger dogs unless they feel threatened. I’ve read that they view dogs as competition, not prey. But don’t get comfortable with this fact; there are plenty of stories out there of larger dogs coming home with wounds from a coyote fight, because coyotes may not be afraid of your dog. Rodrigo is 70 pounds and although stockier, he’s the same height as a coyote.
Several reasons precipitate a coyote attack: Other reasons (besides food) that a coyote may attack a dog is because it’s sick and rabid, protecting it’s territory, it’s driving your dog away from it’s pack, and they don’t like strangers (I don’ t know you, so I’m going to scare you away). Pretty much sounds like an unsocialized dog (except the rabid part).
Coyotes run in packs and pairs: Coyotes may run in a large pack, their family, but they tend to hunt in pairs. I’ve read that they have the ability to make noise as if they’re a large pack through their vocal cords. If you’ve never heard a pair on a hunt, imagine the sounds of dogs crying loudly, sometimes like their in pain, along with high pitched barks, yelps, and yips. It’s pretty terrible and sends all the dogs in our area into a barking frenzy.
Mating season: Coyotes are most protective of their packs, den and territory during mating season, which is January through March, and when they have pups, which is May and June. If you walk your dog in an off leash area during these months, take care. I used to think that a well populated, off leash dog park won’t have coyotes nearby, but it’s common knowledge that you don’t walk your dog off leash at Strawberry Fields at dawn (many coyote sightings – with 2 or more coyotes together).
Dogs may give chase without warning: We’ve never seen two coyotes, but it’s safe to say that a second isn’t far behind and there’s no telling how close the pack is; so keep your dogs close by keeping then in a fenced yard or on a leash when walking them. A dog’s instinct may be to give chase and there’s no telling what he’ll meet at the end of that chase.
No outdoor food and water: Having dog food, raw bones, and/or water outside and accessible to wildlife rewards coyotes for coming on your property. Other food sources are fruit falling from trees (we have this), compost piles, and open trash containers. If they find a food source at your home, they’ll become a risk to your dogs. We keep our dogs’ food and water inside the puppy condo, not outside.
I learned these things through internet research. If you do some of your own, I will suggest staying away from sites forum or question/answer sites and click on the links that look a little more fact based. When you’re working on little sleep and coming down from an adrenaline rush, the forum/question/answer sites will scare the bajeebas out of you.
Rodrigo is sleeping fine, occasionally opening his eyes to look at me. Thank heavens for his 3 year rabies vaccination. He must smell like coyote, because Sydney was trying to smell him from a distance and Blue was acting deferential towards him. Rodrigo gave Blue and me lots of licks “I’m okay,” is the message I got. Everyone went back to bed except me; I’m typing, trying not to dwell on how badly this could have gone.
Do you have coyotes in your neighborhood? How do you keep your pets safe?
September 25, 2012 at 8:07 am
Having fished my cat’s foot out of a coyote’s mouth, I can understand your panic! We had a fence between us though, and raspberry bushes were making it hard for the animal to get a grip on her…thank goodness! The cat did more damage to me in her panic than the coyote did. She’s not allowed to come out and watch me water the gardens anymore.
I’m so glad it turned out OK for you too!
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September 25, 2012 at 8:14 am
You rock, Melody. I’m happy that your cat lived to meow another day. I’m relieve that it worked out, because it so could have gone down a different route.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
September 25, 2012 at 10:58 am
What a terrifying experience! I am so happy your dogs all made it out alive. I heard the most awful story recently of a guy in my part of the country who was training pit bulls to hunt coyotes. Bad news. Hugs to your pups.
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Crystal Wayward recently published..From a Chicago shelter to the green grass of Kansas
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September 25, 2012 at 4:58 pm
That is awful, Crystal. We’re so happy too; gosh this could have gone totally wrong. Rodrigo is doing great.
Thanks for stopping by!
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
September 25, 2012 at 8:43 pm
Oh my gosh, how terrible! I’m so sorry for your horrible morning, but happy that Rodrigo is doing well. What a scary morning!! Big hugs to you and your pups!
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September 26, 2012 at 7:06 am
Me to, Julie
I was on high alert yesterday, but it was a pretty uneventful day and we went back to our normal routine. No permanent damage, thank heavens. Rodrigo got a lot of special attention and because we have three dogs, the other two got treats too just for being around
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
September 25, 2012 at 11:27 pm
So glad nothing worse happened!
Friends at the horse farm lost one of their dogs to coyotes, it was a cockapoo and he didn’t stay a chance.
We are used to being careful, because where we used to go camping and where we now have Jasmine’s ranch, there is a lot of wildlife. On the ranch, there is even a bear. I have to admit I’m much more worried about the bear…
So yes, definitely no food outside if there is any wildlife.
I have heard coyotes, but I have to say that every time I’ve seen any I’ve always seen just one. In the trails where we got for walks, later at night, you can hear them. We then all stick together; safety in numbers, guys on the leash.
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September 26, 2012 at 7:04 am
Me too, Jana
I kept reminding myself of that, because Rigo could have came across a family or a pair. He’s doing great and our vet just recommended keeping his wounds clean and approved simple hydrogen peroxide. Whew!
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
September 26, 2012 at 4:39 am
Kimberly, thank you SO much for this. I know you went through a lot of anxiety at first, and a lot of research afterwards to create this excellent article. I’m glad Rodrigo is ok.
With coyotes encroaching more and more into neighborhoods, every pet owner should know these tips.
We live in the country outside Austin, TX and we hear coyotes often. Dakota the corgi went into a barking frenzy a few months ago (and she’s not a big barker), and there was a coyote on the other side of the fence. I went out and yelled and ran towards it and it ran away. Pretty scary. We keep the shotgun handy, but haven’t seen another. I’m always aware that they are out there.
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September 26, 2012 at 7:02 am
We used to see them on our property, but they’ve always shied away from us and the dogs, never coming around when we were coming outside. They may have been going away or traveling through when Rodrigo caught up with them. We’re hoping that Rodrigo showed them that the territory is taken and they move on.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
September 26, 2012 at 6:22 am
What a horrible way to the start of your day. I hope rodrigo makes a full recovery from this attack and everyone (2 and 4 legged) stays safe.
September 26, 2012 at 7:00 am
Thanks so much, Karen
It was definitely not my favorite morning, but I’m happy that Rodrigo is back to his happy self.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
September 26, 2012 at 7:02 am
Wow, so sorry to hear that Rodrigo was in a tussle with a coyote. How scary for all of you. Glad to hear he is recovering well. Several years ago our Shetland Sheepdog was attacked by a bobcat when we lived near the State Game Lands in So. Central PA. I had just let him out before bedtime when I heard Ishtar start frantically barking, then a wild snarling. I thought it was a mountain lion (it sure sounded like one) and, without even thinking, I grabbed a broom and screamed “NO” and tore out of the house like a banshee. I met Ishtar flying towards me and we both beat a hasty retreat. He had some nasty scratches but survived with no ill effects. I never let him out at night after that unless I was standing guard at the patio door and the spotlight was on. Scary stuff.
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September 26, 2012 at 4:28 pm
I know! It was scary. Rodrigo is doing great. I loved your story and would have done the same. Good for you; no one messes with our babies!
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
September 26, 2012 at 9:46 am
That’s so terrifying! I am so glad Rodrigo was okay and this has a quasi-happy ending. I hope he recovers well from his experiences. Good on you for acting so quickly.
Coyotes are definitely a threat to dogs and I really appreciate this valuable information. They are always on my mind when walking in the parks near my house, especially since we do most of our walking in the early mornings and evenings, a time when I know they may be active.
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September 26, 2012 at 4:27 pm
This may be a duplicate, so I apologize if it is!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Rodrigo is doing great! I’m stunned that he was able to shake it off so quickly; he’ll face down a coyote, but he’s still afraid of a broom (jumped in my lap last night because my boyfriend swept up some sand).
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
September 26, 2012 at 10:00 am
Dear God are you ever lucky!
My friend’s cat was EATEN by a coyote….
We live in a suburban area too…they are everywhere.
Praying your baby is ok!
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September 26, 2012 at 11:46 am
Oh my goodness!!! I hope that you called your Vet as sometimes (I think) they will give a Rabies booster. Bite wounds can also become infected and abscess easily, so you could get some advice from your Vet on that as well.
We also have coyotes running about, and we are in a highly populated (NOT the least bit rural) area. One night I even stopped to pick up what I thought was stray dog, but it turned out to be a lone coyote.
Thankfully, our off leash dog parks are entirely fenced in, but we still don’t go between dusk and dawn.
We have a very large dog (150 lbs), and a Pomeranian. Even though our back yard is fenced in, it’s not all that high so the Pom never, ever goes out by herself. It’s a pain, but her safety is worth the extra effort.
I hope that everyone is feeling better!!!!
September 26, 2012 at 4:18 pm
Thanks, Michelle
Rodrigo is doing great and the vet assured me that unless we see swelling then he’ll be fine. This is common in our area and because people are good with their vaccinations we don’t have a rabies problem. Rodrigo is good on his. We just clean it daily with hydrogen peroxide. He’s in great spirits, just a little tender.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
September 30, 2012 at 1:36 pm
We’re lucky in the UK we don’t have that problem. I don’t know what i would do i love all animals and wildlife i would be inclined to grab my camera if i saw a coyote but the dogs come first i think you do the right thing chase them off without harming them.
It’s just a pity Rodrigo got hurt i hope he’s recovering well and not to traumatised by his ordeal.
You should of stayed in bed lol
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September 30, 2012 at 7:50 pm
I know what you mean; I used to try and capture them with my camera. Now I’m more wary. I don’t want to harm them, but our dogs come first too. And YES – I SOOO should have stayed in bed! Rodrigo is doing great.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
October 1, 2012 at 12:21 pm
How scary! Glad to hear Rodrigo and the others are OK.
I live in Arizona and we occasionally get coyotes in the neighborhood, usually at night just like you had. They go for small dogs, cats, and birds from the nearby lake. They’ll even go through trash left outside for pick-up. One of my pet-sitting friends recommends against dog doors because she’s heard of coyotes getting in that way. *shudder* It’s a nuisance, but it almost forces owners to be with their pets any time they’re let outside.
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October 1, 2012 at 4:20 pm
I’m so amazed that I was able to keep it together. Rodrigo is doing well and I vow not to take them out to the main yard at 3 am again! My hope is that the interaction pushed the coyotes to move to a new area. Thanks for the comment!!!
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
October 18, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Glad to hear your pup is okay! This is one of my fears. We only have an acre but do not let the dog out loose once it is dark. The coyotes were so loud and wild the past few nights that she would not even go outside to use the bathroom. Our son can actually hear them in his room. It is quite an unsettling sound. We live in Pennsylvania and I have heard that the coyote population is booming even though people have permission to shoot upon sight.
October 18, 2012 at 8:12 pm
Thanks!
Our coyote population has boomed, because the deer population has boomed. One thing we started doing is tossing dog poo (yes, I know, gross) towards the borders of our property. Someone recently suggested this, because it’ll let coyotes know that the territory has been claimed. Makes sense, because we’ve never allowed dog poo to just sit in our main yard.
And I know what you mean about the sounds coyotes make. It’s awful.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
November 10, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Oh so glad your do is ok. We have coyotes here as well in Michigan. Most recently, we are battling a situation of the grey wolf which was recently on the endangered list and now they are dominating our land here in MI. Just last week, we had a neighbor lose a cow from this.
Did you know…..coyotes HATE donkeys and donkeys will drive coyotes away? Lots of Michigan farmers own donkeys because of this. = )
Irish Carter
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November 10, 2012 at 3:31 pm
I did not know this; I know someone with donkeys; I’ll have to ask her if she’s seen or heard any coyotes on her property.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
January 7, 2013 at 7:50 am
Caught sight of this article and wanted to add.
Girlfriend lives in Osoyoos, BC. There coyotes send in there bitches in heat. Of course anyone with an open male knows that instinct kicks in. Dogs are lured out and then mobbed and KILLED. This is not just a story, it is fact!! Just one more reason to spay and neuter.
January 7, 2013 at 9:19 am
That is so terrible, Anne
I was just thinking about this earlier today (crazy right?) because I’ve had a few people tell me about coyotes luring dogs. Glad we had our pups spayed and neutered.
Thanks for contributing to this, Anne
Twitter: thefurmom
January 16, 2013 at 8:48 pm
While coyotes are a definite danger to small pets, I have lived for decades on large acreages where coyotes are common and large dogs live primarily outside and never had an incident. Coyotes are very smart and they will come fairly close if you are unarmed, but disappear before cowboys riding out checking on cattle or near their vehicles can draw a rifle.
Typically the dogs and coyotes on cattle and horse ranches give each other wide berths and rarely fight. One friend had a 3/4 wolf / 1/4 shepherd and a full blood German Shepherd and any coyote foolish enough to cross their territory did not live long enough to be a problem.
A couple Weimaraner mixes that were abandoned by another ranch moved over to ours and I saw the male hit a coyote broadside and flip it because the coyote tried to cross the pasture. Once they moved in we stopped ever losing chickens to coyotes.
One thing you need to know is that coyotes are not particularly afraid of humans unless you’re carrying a rifle. They will stand across your property and look you in the eye and where their area has new construction I’ve seen them stand right next to a busy road watching cars go by.
Cattle ranches do use mules and burros to protect calves from coyotes. They will go after them with both front feet and wicked kicking. Many horses will also go after coyotes (and sometimes dogs they don’t know).
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January 17, 2013 at 6:00 am
Thanks for this great information, Gail!
We still see coyotes – they come onto our property, sticking to the edges as they cross from one property to the next (guided by fence lines). The dogs and I stand and watch and the coyote stops to watch us. It’s as if there an “it’s good” going on. Rodrigo learned a lesson and he and Blue stand on each side of me while Sydney stands forward and barks once or twice to let us know a coyote is near. The coyote just pauses for a moment, then moves on.
We see them on the side of the road here all the time. They’re very healthy this year so it’s easy to mistake them for a dog for a second.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
February 16, 2013 at 5:08 pm
Many of my friends do not believe we even have coyotes here in Toledo, Ohio but I have seen and heard them. I watch my dogs closely at night. If coyotes weren’t enough to worry about, my 7 pound Pomeranian was recently targeted by a hawk. It’s enough to make you crazy.
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February 16, 2013 at 6:20 pm
A coworker of mine has 5 dogs, 2 are small ones and almost got picked up by a Bald Eagle. When the eagle swooped down, one of the big dogs knocked it away. It was the first I’d heard of that happening so we watched our dogs carefully when they were puppies.
Twitter: thefurmom
March 23, 2013 at 2:15 pm
that’s scary!!!!!! so glad it wasn’t worse for your rodrigo, kimberly!!!! i grew up in phoenix,az…..lots of coyotes…..and no, they’re not afraid of you…..they look like a smallish shepherd/wolf type ……never had a problem with them, but we also had a 6′ wooden fence around our backyard…..here in georgia, if they’re around here, i’ve not seen them…..everyone around here has multiple dogs, so there’s no sneaking up on anyone’s property…..plus most folks also own guns…..if it were me, i’d shoot at them to scare them off…..
March 23, 2013 at 6:06 pm
The coyotes usually respect us and we respect them. We’ve only seen 1 come onto our property. The dogs came to flank me and I just said “we won’t bother you” and the coyote went on his way. We never saw him again. If they had a den nearby, it’s been moved – too many humans. Puppy season should be coming up so we have to keep our dogs safe.
Twitter: thefurmom
April 5, 2013 at 5:13 pm
That is scary! I am so glad Rodrigo was ok! I haven’t seen them here, but neighbors have. I have seen a bobcat though, and I wouldn’t want my dogs to come in contact with one of those either.
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April 5, 2013 at 8:54 pm
OMG – freaked me out. I don’t know how I stayed so calm, especially with the blood everywhere. He only had a couple deep scratches, they didn’t even require stitches, but you know how head wounds are? Apparently it’s the same for dogs too. He leaves the coyotes alone now, so do the other dogs. The coyotes leave us alone too.
I love living in our rural area, but I won’t take it for granted any more.
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Twitter: thefurmom