#Middlebury #PawsCorner
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Yesterday we had a very scary incident in our backyard. I let our Llasa Apso, Cherie, run free, knowing that she wouldn’t wander into the woods as long as I was on the back porch, watching her. I was reading the newspaper when Cherie started barking. Looking up, I saw two coyotes at the edge of the woods, slowly approaching her.
I ran toward them, waving my arms and yelling like a crazy person. The coyotes took one look at me and disappeared into the woods. I picked up Cherie and brought her inside.
She wasn’t hurt, but the situation could have quickly turned tragic if I hadn’t looked up in time. For now, I’m keeping her indoors and only letting her out on a leash to relieve herself. Is there anything else I can do? – Bob in Leominster, Mass.
DEAR BOB: Keeping Cherie on a leash for the short term is a good idea, and I’m very glad you were supervising her backyard exploration. Contact the local animal control agency to report the coyotes’ behavior.
Long term, you may want to put up fencing – at least 6 feet high and 1 foot below ground – to deter the coyotes, as well as motion-activated lights.
Make sure to keep trash securely covered and, if possible, indoors. Don’t feed pets outside, because coyotes may investigate the food smell. Clear brush from your property and keep hedges trimmed.
On the plus side, you may never see more than two full-grown coyotes in your area – they are very territorial. If they become problematic, though, your municipality may need to step in and remove or eliminate the coyotes.
Send your questions, tips or comments to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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