Coyote kills small dog in Wheaton
The Wheaton Police Department is warning residents about coyote attacks after a small dog was killed Friday night.
Police responded at 11:46 p.m. Friday to the 600 block of Plamondon Court for a coyote attack, according to a news release.
The resident’s schnauzer was attacked by a coyote around 10:30 p.m. and died as a result of its injuries, police said. The coyote appears to have jumped over a fence to attack the dog, police said.
“Be out there with the animals; don’t leave them in the backyard, especially if they have a small fence or no fence,” Wheaton police Lt. Tom Heidank said. “If you do see one, try to scare it away.”
In order to frighten a coyote, officials suggest yelling, using a noisemaker, throwing things at it, clapping, running toward it or spraying it with a garden hose.
The city’s website also suggests keeping dogs on a short leash and bringing pets inside after dark, as well as storing pet food indoors. Residents also should never give a coyote food or water, because that will encourage it to return to the area.
Several small dogs were attacked by coyotes in Wheaton this fall.