Dogs Attacked by Coyotes, Alarming Neighborhood

Two coyote attacks on dogs in recent weeks are prompting warnings about leaving small pups unattended in back yards.

According to local reports, coyotes injured small dogs on Eldorado Trail and Cartwright Parkway in separate incidents.

In one case, the owner saw coyotes approaching; in the other, the dog was more seriously wounded.

Both streets are near Whitney Road.

Animal Warden Mike Roth was unavailable to provide details this week.

But Service Director Joe Walker warns residents to keep a close eye on cats and smaller dogs.

"If you don't have a fenced-in yard, I'd supervise these pets while they're outside," he said.

Walker said Strongsville doesn't get a lot of complaints about coyotes, but predicts conflicts with them will grow.

"They have no natural enemies," he said. "Every year, pups are born and most grow to adulthood. The only thing out there that kills them is cars."

Coyotes are easily confused with medium-sized dogs, according to the Cleveland Metroparks. But coyotes, which stand about 2 feet tall and weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, run with their tails held down, rather than held high or parallel with the ground like dogs do.

Coyotes eat mammals, mostly small mice and other rodents, rabbits, raccoons, ground-nesting waterfowl, songbirds and their eggs, carrion, reptiles and amphibians, as well as some berries and fruits.

Usually, they'll slink away from people, but if one approaches you, don't turn and run, experts say.

Instead, try to frighten it away by shouting in a deep voice, waving your arms, throwing objects at it and looking it directly in the eyes, the Metroparks website says.