Coyote Kills Dog in New Canaan

A coyote reportedly killed a dog in New Canaan and left the scene with its body, according to police.

A New Canaan couple heard some barking then a yip on August 22 around 3 p.m. near the intersection of Jennifer Lane and Michigan Road, according to the New Canaanite.

They went outside and saw a coyote running away. The dog had been outside within an invisible fence area.

Coyotes are opportunistic and usually prey on small animals such as mice, woodchucks, squirrels and rabbits, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection They can also eat garbage when available.

Unsupervised pets less than 25 pounds are vulnerable to coyote attacks, according to DEEP. Pups born in spring began foraging and hunting with adults after eight to 13 weeks. They rarely pose a threat to humans.

DEEP recommends that small pet owners supervise their animals, particularly at night. Coyote-proof fencing could be a long-term solution.

Read the full New Canaanite story here.

Image via emdot/Flickr Commons not of New Canaan coyote.