We have had problems in the past with coyotes in our neighborhood. We alert each other to watch our dogs when we see one of these predators about. We also have installed an electronic deterent which emits a mechanical "cougar hiss" after dark.
But in recent weeks, the coyotes are on the prowl. I've seen them come through our backyard. I also one night flashed a light in the back and found two sets of eyes at the far end of the backyard. I had thankfully taken the dogs out on a leash to do their business. But wanted to scout the yard when the dogs kept looking and sniffing in a certain direction. The direction of the shining eyes.
Then the next day, a neighbor called with this warning. She had let her beagle out but was watching due to the coyotes. As she watched, in mere seconds, one coyote came up to the dog acting like another dog to meet it. They were about to the sniffing stage when another was coming up from behind the dog. Her teenage son ran out screaming and chased the coyotes away. Although she said, they left in more of a leisurely walk than a frightened run. What cunning these predators had to imitate the social behavior of another species. Granted coyotes are canines too and may greet each other similarly, but do they really greet their next meal in the same way? And then the two-part attack, obviously coordinated between the two coyotes.
The problem is that the coyotes are protected and nothing can be done. Which is ironic since they cull the deer herd regularly because they eat our flowers, but not the coyotes which eat our pets. I've said it before, some day they will attack a child. Will anyone buy their excuse then that we are in the coyote's habitat? Sorry, humans rule. Higher intelligence and opposable thumbs and all that. It can be the coyote's habitat when they pay real estate taxes.
"It can be the coyote's habitat when they pay real estate taxes."
hahaha! nice one!
ei, i'm with you...i'm concerned with the children in the future too!
Posted by: Nursing top | April 22, 2010 at 01:10 AM