McHenry County pet falls victim to coyote attack

Add Melissa Pena's name to the growing list of pet owners victimized by coyotes in residential neighborhoods.

Minnie, Pena's 3-year-old miniature pincher was killed last week when two coyotes snatched the small dog from its yard in unincorporated McHenry County.

Pena, 34, said she let her new puppy -- an early Christmas present from her husband -- and Minnie outside around 4:30 a.m. Friday.

"They were out for a minute and I saw two coyotes, the size of German shepherds, less than 20 feet from my house," Pena said. "One of the coyotes grabbed Minnie and took off."

The puppy was able to get back into the house.

Pena's husband, Rick, woke up to her screams and chased the animals about 300 feet into the yard.

"He heard her last few whimpers and knew she was gone," Pena said. "He and his brothers went out yesterday and found Minnie's remains, so there is no question what happened."

Pena said because her house is in a rural area, backing up to Lake Griswold, Minnie and the puppy were not on leashes.

"We learned from our horrible mistake," she said. "Right now, we just want other people to know not to let their dogs out by themselves."

Pena waited until about 9 a.m. Friday then called 911. She was told her to contact the McHenry County Sheriff's Department. Dispatchers told Pena to call the McHenry Wildlife Center.

"They were all apologetic, but said that unfortunately there was nothing they could do and that it was very common because the coyote's food source is scarce," she said. "The Wildlife Center warned me that because the coyotes had a successful hunt, they will be back."

Pena said the thought of the coyotes returning is frightening because in addition to her puppy, she has a 2-year-old daughter and 6-month-old son.

Beth Flitz, a wildlife resource specialist with the McHenry Wildlife Center, said for the most part, coyotes don't attack randomly.

At the same time, Flitz said, the animals aren't able to differentiate between someone's pet and their food.

"People don't expect to see coyotes in their neighborhood, but it is actually very common," Flitz said. "We are never going to get rid of them; the trick is to learn how to co-exist with coyotes."

Coexisting with coyotes

• Never discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it or leave pet food outside.

• Secure garbage containers and use a small amount of ammonia or cayenne pepper in the garbage to discourage scavenging.

• Restrict use of birdseed. Coyotes are attracted to it and to the birds and rodents that use the feeder.

• If possible, eliminate outdoor sources of water.

• Trim and clear near ground level shrubbery providing cover for coyotes or prey.

• Use fencing to help deter coyotes. The fence must be at least 6 feet tall, with the bottom extending at least 6 inches below ground level.

• Pick fruit when it ripens; keep rotted fruit off the ground.

• Keep cats and small dogs indoors, allowing them outside only under strict supervision.

Source: Project Wildlife, www.projectwildlife.org