Coyote Believed To Have Killed Dog In Fairfax County

ANNANDALE, VA—Fairfax County Police believe a coyote may have attacked and killed a dog in Annandale overnight Sunday.

An owner had let the dog outside in the backyard in the 7000 block of Bradley Circle. Hours later, the owner had still not been able to locate the dog and found it dead just outside the yard.

Police say an animal matching the description of a coyote had been seen before and after the attack.

Coyotes have become more widespread in Fairfax County, and police say the number of calls on coyote sightings has increased in the past few weeks.

It's not uncommon for coyotes to target pets. Coyotes typically feed on plants and animals, from rodents to rabbits, reptiles and white-tailed deer. But they might mistake pets like cats and small dogs for small prey, putting these pets at risk if left unattended outside. In addition, they may view larger dogs as a threat. Attacks on humans are rare, happening usually in the presence of a dog or if a person is too close to baby coyotes or is feeding the animals.

This behavior is heightened during the mating season from January to March and when coyotes are caring for their young from March to August.

Police have a number of tips for residents to minimize chances of encountering a coyote:

• Never feed or attempt to “tame” a coyote.
• Keep garbage in an animal-proof container, such as a metal trash can with latches on the lid or secure with bungee cords.
• Keep trash inside until the morning of trash pick-up when possible.
• Do not feed pets outside or store pet food outside.
• Pick up ripe, fallen fruit and do not let it accumulate on the ground.
• Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting small rodents and other coyote prey.
• Trim shrubbery to ground level to remove hiding cover.
• Close up openings under porches/decks, crawl spaces or out-buildings where animals might make dens.
• Keep small pets inside and do not leave unattended when outside.
• Keep dogs on short leashes (less than 6 feet) while walking outside.
• Provide secure shelters for poultry, rabbits, and other vulnerable animals.
• Be alert at dusk and dawn. Coyotes are most active at night and early morning hours; however, they may be active during the day in search of food or dens.
• Install fencing at least six feet tall to keep coyotes out of yards.
• Install motion sensor lights or a motion-activated sprinkler around your home.

If you spot a coyote near your property, use hazing techniques to frighten coyotes from the property or exclusion measures to restrict their access in areas where they are unwanted. These include: yelling and waving your arms from a safe position, using noisemakers like a whistle or pots and pans, throwing objects like sticks, cans or small rocks at the coyote and spraying the coyote with a hose.

If a coyote acts aggressively or appears to be sick or injured, call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131 and ask to be connected with Fairfax County Animal Control Services.

Image via Fairfax County Police