Coyote Attacks, Takes Dog in North Aurora

A small dog was attacked and pulled into the darkness by coyotes in North Aurora this past weekend, police announced today.

A small Yorkie terrier was taken by coyotes. The attack happened in the 2800 block of Sterkel Road, between Kelley Drive and Western Drive, on Sunday, Nov. 4 at about 2:30 a.m.

Neighbors reported hearing coyotes howling and then heard the dog being attacked while he was in a backyard, which backs up to a pond area. The owner, who was watching from the back door, reported that the coyotes came from the tall grass around the pond, grabbed the five-year-old, 11-lb. dog, and took him back into the weeds. He said it happened faster than he could react.

This incident is believed to be the first reported coyote attack in North Aurora, though many residents of the area report hearing coyotes frequently and having occasional sightings.

Coyote Encounter #2

There was another coyote encounter on Sat., Nov. 3 at about 10:30 p.m. in Tanner Trails Park, according to a North Aurora police statement. A resident was walking his small dog on a leash when he encountered two coyotes in the baseball field near the northeast corner of the park, near Bauer Road and Schrader Lane. They did not attack, but they did not run away either.

These two incidents were reported to North Aurora police on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

"We feel that it’s important to inform the public so our residents can take proper precautions," the statement said.

Coyotes are about the size of a medium sized dog. Most adults weigh 25-35 lbs. Some may be as big as 40-45 lbs. They have pointed ears, a thin muzzle, and a bushy tail. They are usually a grayish brown with reddish tinges, but may vary from silver-gray to black.

Dealing With Coyotes

• 1. Do not feed the coyotes. The most effective way to prevent coyote attacks in your neighborhood is to eliminate wildlife feeding. It is extremely important that neighborhoods do not feed coyotes, either intentionally or accidentally. Coyotes that are fed in residential neighborhoods can lose their fear of people, and may eventually test humans (and pets) as possible prey.

• 2. Do not let pets run loose. Dogs that are left outside (especially small dogs) should also be watched with caution. Free-ranging domestic cats and feral cat colonies may also serve to attract coyotes; it is important that domestic cats be kept indoors and that feral cats be spayed or neutered when possible.

• 3. Do not run from a coyote. If you see a coyote during the daytime, you should exhibit caution, as that coyote may have become habituated to humans (and may be more likely to attack). Also, if you are walking your dog in a park frequented by coyotes, you should exhibit caution and perhaps carry a walking stick or mace to fend off an attack. If you are approached by a coyote, you should yell, wave your arms, and/or throw something at the coyote. Do not run away.

• 4. Repellents or fencing may help. Fences can help to keep coyotes out of your yard, but coyotes have been known to jump over fences. (The best fences for keeping out coyotes are at least six feet tall and have a roll bar on top.)

• 5. Report aggressive, fearless coyotes immediately. When a coyote fails to exhibit fear of humans or acts aggressively by barking or growling in the yard or playground, the animal must be reported as soon as possible to the appropriate officials — usually an animal control officer or police officer.

One of the last publicized coyote sightings in Batavia was outside J.B. Nelson School during a recess period. Click the headline below to learn more about the incident:

Coyote Spotted At J.B. Nelson School Recess Wednesday