Coyote Attack Kills Dog In Palatine Backyard

PALATINE, IL - A coyote or group of coyotes attacked two dogs and killed one of them Thursday night in the backyard of a residence near the Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine. Palatine police responded to the 1500 block of W. Edgewater Lane at 8 p.m. on Nov. 9 and while they did not find a coyote in the area, "evidence would indicate one or more coyotes were responsible for the incident."

Police said the dogs were let out in the backyard, which was surrounded by an electronic pet fence. When the resident went outside to check on the dogs a short time later, one was found dead and the other seriously injured in the backyard.

Coyote attacks on pets in Palatine were described by police as "very unusual." They provided tips to pet owners to help prevent a similar attack in the future.

Via the Palatine Police Department:

• Avoid leaving any food items or garbage outside; this includes food for squirrels and other wildlife. DO NOT FEED THE COYOTES!

• Fallen fruit in yards should be picked up as it can attract coyotes.
• Do not leave pets unattended outside! Leaving pets unattended or tied up in an area without fencing leaves a pet defenseless to escape a potential predator.

• Coyotes have been known to jump fences as high as 6’ feet and dig under a fence to obtain a food source.

• Always walk your dog on a leash and never send a dog chasing after a coyote.
• Reports of coyotes attacking humans is extremely rare. If you encounter a coyote, make loud noises and waive your arms, it will usually scare the coyote off. Do not turn your back or run!

• Try to walk your dog during daylight hours. While coyotes can be out at all times of the day, they are most active between dusk and dawn.

File photo