Action Needed on Coyote Problem

* Recently my dog was killed by a coyote(s). It was a terrible experience to discover her carcass in the middle of the night. My dogs sleep in the garage but have access to a dog door. This dog has always been a watchdog type and apparently she heard a disturbance outside and responded. I called police in the middle of the night. They sent out a very helpful young officer and another gentleman from animal control called. I was also told that it is very possible that the coyote will return again.

I also learned from both gentlemen that if everyone will cooperate by removing all food and water sources, we will have no more problems. It is frightening to know that a coyote can jump up to 10 feet and carry with it up to 20 pounds. Many people do not realize that dogs stand no chance against the razor-sharp teeth of a coyote.

In talking to a few of my immediate neighbors, I learned to my horror that in the past two weeks they have sighted a pack of three coyotes on the equestrian trail behind my house, a mother and pup walking down our street in broad daylight, another obviously well-fed coyote on the trail at 6:30 a.m. and two other coyotes milling around a neighbor’s yard. It is frightening to think what could happen to a small, unattended child.

I think that it is time for some serious door-to-door education. I was told that there are people in every neighborhood who insist on leaving food out for coyotes. In addition, it’s time for everyone to start reporting sightings.

We need to act quickly before an accident with much greater ramifications occurs.

NANCY J. RIKEL

Yorba Linda