Coyote Attack In Fairfax County: Police

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Animal Protection Police Officers and the Fairfax County Wildlife Management Specialist are on high alert after coyotes attacked and killed a small dog in the Parklawn community.

The incident happened in a forested area. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to confrontations with coyotes, especially when unattended, Fairfax County Police said in a statement.

"Conflicts between dogs and coyotes can happen year-round but are more likely during coyote mating season (January-March) and when coyotes are caring for their young (March-August)," police said. "Unprovoked conflicts between humans and coyotes are extremely rare. Coyotes are an established part of the local wildlife community in Fairfax County and the mere presence of coyotes should not alarm you."

Police have listed the following tips to avoid coyote confrontations:

Never feed a coyote
Securely cover your trash bins and compost piles
Do not feed pets outside or store pet food outside
Do not leave your pet unattended, even in a fenced yard
Keep cats indoors
Pick up ripe, fallen fruit and do not let it accumulate on the ground
Keep dogs on short leashes (less than 6 feet) while walking outside
Install motion sensor lights or a motion activated sprinkler around your home

Authorities are monitoring coyote activity in the area using area searches and game cameras.

"Personnel are coordinating these efforts with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to determine if additional actions need to be taken," the statement reads. "Reports of aggressive, sick or injured animals should be made to the Fairfax County Animal Protection Police through the Police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131."

Image via Fairfax County Police