California 2-Year-Old Dragged From Yard by Coyote in Third Such Attack in Five Days

Associated Press ^ | May 07, 2008

[DoughtyOne]

Do you know how many times I’ve read of kids being abducted in the front yard never to be seen again? I’m sorry, but that’s just not good enough. You can’t take that chance.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

For those of you not familiar with coyotes, let me assure you, they are very different from dogs in how they behave.

They are both intelligent and skilled at tactics. By this I mean they will scheme until they find and opening, and have a plan both how to attack and how to get away before they begin.

Indians noted this long ago, and nicknamed them “tricksters” that should never be trusted.

In this case, the coyote was probably hidden for some time, watching the children, and waiting for an opportunity to grab them. Their miscalculation was that they were unable to drag away their prey before being discovered.

But yes, it is only a matter of time before their plans figure out a way. If nothing else, they will figure out how to quickly kill a child, then drag it to a nearby hidden place, like under a front porch, where they will stay hidden until they can make a clean getaway.

Ironically, wolves have a lot more raw intelligence than coyotes, even if they don’t share their scheming nature. And there have been some reports in the eastern US of wolves and coyotes cross-breeding.

If this is the case, the hybrid animal could be exceptionally dangerous.

[Farmer Dean]

There's nothing like a couple of 100 lb German Shepherds to increase security in the yard.They will fight to their deaths to stop any intruder.I remember a few years ago how one took on a 10 foot alligator protecting a small child.The dog got killed but the child escaped unharmed.

[Alouette]

I have never watched “Seinfeld”

[SatinDoll]

You'll probably get a bunch of pissed off neighbors, whose pet dogs and cats are dead by poisoning.

[afortiori]

[redheadtoo]

What will you get if you put dishes of antifreeze around your property?

Very angry neighbors, when their pets, or their kids drink the stuff. Then their will be the arrest, the trial, and finally a stiff jail sentence. I don't advice the use of antifreeze, unless you are pouring into you radiator.

[DoughtyOne]

Sorry CindyDawg, I’m not sure what you meant by SSS.

[mamelukesabre]

You better disquise it better than that, or you’ll be in trouble with the neighbors.

[tbw2]

One mad mommy on TV with pictures (preferably before and after) with a photogenic and now dead baby and the whole animal rights / reintroduction effort DIES.
I hope to god that doesn’t happen. (I have two toddlers myself.)

[writer33]

It’s only a matter of time before the invasion begins.

[fatima]

Is your brother on now?Brennan?

[Shortstop7]

This is because of global warming. The food suppy chain has begun its depletion, and now it’s only a matter of time before coyotes attack in waves.

And the squirrels. Don't forget the squirrels.....

[Irish Eyes]

Watching your brother now..he is a good spokesman.

[mamelukesabre]

boston terriers won’t be much use for that. They have weak voices and you won’t hear them bark or growl if you are inside. And they are too small to fend off a coyote. But I suppose if you have enough of them and keep getting more, the coyotes will snatch your little dogs instead of your little children.

[ElkGroveDan]

Let’s just call him Kevin.

[Farmer Dean]

I prefer a .22-250 but the .308 does a good job too.

[Mr. Jeeves]

It’s perfectly legal to shoot coyotes in California, just not with a .22. They aren’t in any way protected. Some cities like Riverside don’t like the idea, but even they have no problem with it if someone’s life is endangered.

[Shortstop7]

that was a great line!

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thanks for the DFG explanation - your brother did very well. This problem sounds pretty serious.....and right now sounds like they are out to trap the offending coyote and kill it.

Sounds good to me. Needs to be done a lot more than just this once, though. Don’t you think?