Stamford Police Say Hunt Is On for 'Aggressive Coyote' That's Attacking Pet Dogs

An unusually aggressive coyote is attacking large dogs in the North Stamford area and Stamford Animal Control has set a trap, hoping to catch the animal before it attacks more pet dogs in the area.

Stamford Police Capt. Richard Conklin said that in the past week the animal “has attacked three dogs that are substantially larger than the coyote which is unusual because they don’t often put themselves at risk.”

So far, a golden retriever, a German shepherd mix and a German short-haired pointer have been attacked after their owners had let them outdoors. “In two instances, the owners were able to intercede and fend off the coyote with shovels,” Conklin said Monday.

“In the other instance, the owner heard her shepherd mix yelp. She looked out and saw the dog running full bore with the coyote right up on its heels,” according to Conklin. “She opened the glass patio door and the dog ran right into the house with the coyote behind it. She quickly closed the door and the coyote was out on her deck.”

The attacks have occurred in the neighborhoods of Woodbine , Red Fox and Dogwood Roads, according to Conklin. All three dogs, which were up to date on rabies shots, received minor injuries, Conklin said.

“Because this animal is extremely aggressive, anyone with pets should watch when they let them out. Animal Control has placed a trap in the area. People should not allow small children to play outside alone in the snow until this is resolved,” Conklin said.

Police believe the coyote also has been preying on cats in the area “judging from the number of missing cat posters we are seeing,” Conklin added.

He also said they believe it is just one coyote. “From all of the photos and videos that we’ve seen, they all look the same and it’s one coots that’s extremely aggressive and very hungry.”

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Contributed photos courtesy of Stamford Police.