Coyote Attacks On The Rise In Westchester Neighborhoods, Some Pets Killed
NEW CASTLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork)-- Walking your dog through some of Westchester County's picture-perfect neighborhoods may no longer be so peaceful as coyotes are on the prowl in the area.
"We walk around with our air horns now 'cause they say that will fight off the coyotes," one resident told CBS2's Steve Langford.
On Saturday morning, a pack of coyotes was spotted on Winthrop Road, sending a wave of dread through the neighborhood.
"We saw three coyotes on the front lawn here, big," witness Andrew Naclerio said.
He said there were two more in the backyard.
"Oh they were very big, very healthy, there's plenty to eat around here," he said.
On nearby Random Farms Drive, Jackie Meyer recalled seeing her precious cockapoo Molly in the clutches of a coyote.
"I saw the coyote crouched down and the coyote had her," she said.
Meyer's screams sent the coyote running, but not for long.
"And when I went in the house-- I looked out the side window and there were two," she said.
The pup is still recovering from the attack and no longer plays in the backyard by herself.
There have been more than 40 coyote sightings or attacks reported in the New Castle area this year so far.
Last week, one family's beloved pet was killed during a coyote attack on Kipp Street. A young man told CBS2 they're still mourning the loss of their pet.
Even jogging through some of the blissful neighborhoods is now a concern.
"They're scary. They look like dogs without leashes, a little ragged and all of a sudden you say 'oh my god that's not a dog,'" another resident said.
Police say that a fence is not always enough protection and that they should be at least six feet high without chain links that coyotes can easily climb over.