As a veterinarian I used to think a dog fight was one of the
worst things that could happen to a pet while out walking. But wildlife attacks
on pets are a real and present danger. Remember the scene from the Sandra
Bullock movie, The Proposal, in which
Kevin, the American Eskimo puppy, is carried off by an eagle? Recently Boss, my
16 pound mixed breed dog, became a target of a flying predator not in remote
Alaska, but smack dab in the heart of Las Vegas' suburbia.
During a walk at our community park before sunrise, I heard
a loud beating of wings as a Great Horned Owl swooped down over Boss, my 16 pound
terrier mix. My other dog Nikki, a Bouvier des Flanders, ran up to Boss and the
owl flew off , retreated to a light pole and sat studying Boss’ movements.
Fearing the owl appeared ready for a second try, I snatched Boss in my arms and
hightailed it out of there.
Boss was lucky to have the deterrent of an eighty pound
doggie sister nearby. But not all pets get off so lucky when wildlife predators
are concerned. Outdoor cats and dogs may disappear during the night falling
victim to a suspected coyote attack. Small pets under 20 pounds can be whisked
off by birds of prey. Stories of wildlife attacks such as these occur all the
time and the internet reads of horrific stories by owners who lose their small
pets to wildlife.
What animals to watch for?
Coyotes are found not only in rural areas, but also thrive in
metropolitan areas. Mountain lion and bobcats are other predators that are a
concern for homeowners in more remote areas or along the outskirts of towns.
Birds of prey such as owls, hawks, and eagles are very capable hunters, are protective
of nesting sites, and can easily carry off small animals two to three times
their body weight.
What can you do?
Be especially watchful near parks, golf courses or near
natural paths that wildlife use as travel corridors, such as flood channels or
washes. Remember that an abundance of prey animals like wild bunnies in your
community means prime hunting grounds for urban predators.
Don’t leave your pets out at night unattended and preferably
escort them using a leash. Wildlife rarely will approach a small pet if it is
near a human or other larger animals.
Install motion activated lights on property.
Ensure all dog runs have a roof or fencing above to prevent
predators from jumping over enclosure walls.
Building high fences and walls may seem like a solution, but
predators can easily jump over these. Consider coyote fencing- a style of
fencing that may help deter a predator from entering your backyard. Check out
the Coyote Roller - an ingenious and
humane method to prevent a coyotes and other dogs from being able to get over
the top of fence with rolling metal bars installed along fence line. http://www.a1steelfence.com/coyote-rollers.html
Avoid attracting prey animals
Take steps to make your yard less attractive to nuisance
animals like possums and raccoons as well as potential prey animals. Remove
wildlife feeding stations like bird feeders. Secure garbage cans. Keep brush
trimmed and landscape maintained to avoid hiding sites for animals. Avoid fruit
producing trees that serve as food sources. Feed pets indoors to avoid leaving
a food source outside for mice, rats or other critters.
Any other tools to protect pets?
Check out the Raptor
Shield, a lightweight protective cape made of polycarbonate plastic- the
same compound used in bulletproof shields. This dog vest product was developed
to stop a bird of prey’s sharp talons from penetrating into small pets. http://raptorshield.com/
What to do if your pet is targeted by wildlife?
Make noise, wave arms and throw rocks to drive away animals.
Carry a whistle, air horn or pepper spray for defense. Remember that some
species of raptors are protected species and harassing or injuring them can
result in fines.
Preventative efforts are far more useful than any steps you
can take to spook away a predator after an attack occurs. Speak to your
neighbors and share information if you spot coyotes or birds of prey in your
neighborhood.
Don’t get me wrong- I wish no ill will on nature’s most
efficient predators. I still find those soaring raptors breathtaking and I am
awed by the coyote’s adaptability, but from now on I’ll prefer to watch nature’s
animal wonders with my little terrier guy safely seated on my lap.
