LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – After a recent coyote attack in Pewee Valley, officials and residents are raising awareness about increased coyote sightings and the importance of pet safety.
Emily Rademaker said her son was dog-sitting when her German Wirehaired Pointer, Winston, was attacked in their yard in what she said was a “close call.”
“We were out of town, and he called in the middle of the night. It was around midnight to say there had been a scuffle in the yard, and Winston had bites,” she said. The dog sustained puncture wounds but is recovering.
“So he had kind of a puncture bite wound on his hind leg, and it was on the other side of the leg, then he had another bite on his side,” she said.
The incident raised concerns in the neighborhood, as Rademaker alerted others.
“We have a lot of fur babies in the neighborhood, and I wanted everybody’s dogs to be safe, particularly late at night when the coyotes seem to be active,” she explained.
The local veterinarian confirmed the attack was likely from a coyote, calling them “very opportunistic.”
Rademaker believes the coyote may have been lingering nearby, noting her son had grilled steaks earlier. “It just kind of makes me think that the coyote was out there watching, looking for an opportunity,” she said.
Pewee Valley Police Chief Steve Healey addressed the incident, calling it isolated but noting increased development could be a factor.
“You have construction going on, and sometimes these animals get pushed out of their natural habitat,” he said.
Chief Healey emphasized safety, discouraging residents from taking extreme measures. “We don’t want people shooting at them in neighborhoods. Contact us or Kentucky Fish and Wildlife instead,” he advised.
With cooler weather, local officials encourage pet owners to remain alert, especially in areas with more wildlife activity.
Fish and Wildlife officials said there are some do’s and don’ts including not leaving children unattended, if there have been coyote sightings. There are a number of things to keep in mind including:
- Do not feed coyotes.
- Do not leave pet food outside that will attract coyotes.
- Make sure garbage containers are secured.
- Be aware that bird feeders may attract squirrels and mice, which in turn, may attract coyotes.
- Keep pets on a leash or fence in your yard.
- Use negative reinforcement to scare coyotes away; shout, wave arms, and throw objects. Do not run from a coyote.
- Share with your neighbors the recommendations above.
To learn more from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife about coyotes, click here.
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