Another Dog Attacked By Coyotes In Wheaton
WHEATON (CBS) -- The coyote problems in west suburban Wheaton continue.
For the second time in the past month, a small dog has been attacked by coyotes in that city. Unlike a fatal attack in November, though, the Bichon that was attacked by three coyotes in the far west suburb last week survived and is back home with its family, police said.
The dog was outside in a residential rear yard on Marywood Trail when it was attacked late Thursday night, a release from Wheaton police said. A few minutes after letting the dog outside, its owner heard the dog yelping, police said.
The owner looked outside and saw three coyotes attacking the small dog. As the pet owner ran outside the three coyotes ran to the rear of the yard. The owner then yelled at the coyotes, which caused them to leave the area, police said. The dog suffered numerous bite wounds, but it survived. The dog was taken to a veterinarian, where it was treated and released.
On Nov. 19, a small dog was fatally attacked in the 100 block of south Gables in Wheaton. The dog was outside in a backyard for less than 20 minutes, police said. When the dog's owner went outdoors to check on it, the dog was found dead in the neighbor's yard. While no one observed that actual attack, a coyote was seen in the area shortly after the police arrived. Police believe it was possible that a coyote was responsible for the attack on that small dog.
Wheaton police remind residents that small pets and small children should always be monitored by an adult when outdoors. When residents see coyotes, they should take action, such as shouting or making other loud noises or threatening gestures at them. Coyotes are wild animals, and are not domesticated. Residents are also urged to call 911 anytime a wild animal acts aggressively toward humans.
Coyotes are increasingly common in the Midwest and have been sighted within Chicago. Last week, city firefighters rescued one of the wild animals after it became trapped on breakaway ice on Lake Michigan near Fullerton Avenue.
Contributing: Sun-Times Media Wire
