Coyote Kills Puppy in Darien
The Suburban Life reports that a coyote killed a puppy in a residential area. Read Patch's coverage of where other coyotes have been spotted and how to keep your pets safe.
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A coyote attacked and killed a Maltese puppy Wednesday night in Darien, according to Suburban Life.
Darien resident Dan Shellstrom told Suburban Life that he let out the 6-year-old Harley in the back yard, and "I turned around and it sounded like a little girl screaming."
“It's a bad situation and I just don't want anyone else to have to go through what we had,” Shelstrom told Suburban Life. “He was a part of our family.”
Read the full story on Suburban Life.
Tricia Shellstrom commented on a Patch article to share more about the story:
The coyote attacked my dog within 30 seconds of us letting our dog outside to use the bathroom. It was like it was waiting and knew our routine. Our yard is very lit with security lights and that didn't seem to matter. The coyote hid behind our deck waiting to pounce and when we scared it away it did not run, but rather walked confidently through our neighbors yard.
I was not aware of the coyote problem in Darien and my main focus now is to inform others in our area that this is a huge problem and one I feel should not be overlooked. I live near 67th and Bentley.
Coyotes typically come out more in residential areas during the colder months because their main food sources are in hibernation.
Earlier this year we asked Darien Patch Facebook fans where they had spotted coyotes in the area. Other residents reported that their dogs were also fatally attacked.
Read more: Where have Darien residents spotted coyotes?
More stories:
Michael Thomas
4:31 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
I see Coyotes from time to time and wish they would stay in the woods but I just don't know what we could do from keeping them coming into our yards. I guess just a reminder to keep an eye on your dogs when you let them out.
William Maki
6:29 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
Sorry For the Family's Loss-- Very Sad.. Positive thoughts your way.. Your nieghbors on 71st. Street
Rich Brandeis
1:29 am on Sunday, February 3, 2013
and officials in Darien continue to do.....nothing. It's time we pet owners took action to protect our animals, because they won't.
Nikki Kitley
8:00 am on Sunday, February 3, 2013
The animals have just as much right to be here as we do. I'm sure it's inconvenient at times to keep an eye on your dog when you let it out but if you feel your pet is a "member of your family," then treat them that way. You wouldn't let your small children outside without supervision. It's ridiculous to use this incident as an opportunity to take a shot at Darien officials. Just use a little common sense.
Anastasia
4:16 pm on Sunday, February 3, 2013
I agree with Nikki Kitley!
And I'm sorry for the families loss. About letting out " the 6-year-old Harley" in the back yard" perhaps, they meant 6 WEEK old. Either way, a small dog.
Owners should be more careful, especially if they know coyotes are in the area.
Bob B
10:18 am on Sunday, February 3, 2013
Seriously Rich, what do you expect of the Darien officials? Rid the city of coyotes? That's where you think they should be spending resources?
Gus Zervas
10:26 am on Sunday, February 3, 2013
Rich - yes, you pet owners should take action. Pull out your own wallet and have a fence built around your property. And stop expecting "Darien officials" (ie, other taxpayers) to take care of your problems for you.
Suzy Kurtz
11:29 am on Sunday, February 3, 2013
Fences will not deter coyotes.
Becky H
1:35 pm on Sunday, February 3, 2013
There is a way to keep your pets safe. Do a google search on "Habitat Haven". This company builds secure galvanized steel dog & cat enclosures that you can connect to your home. Nothing can get in & your pet can't escape. So sad to those that have lost their pets.
carrie esposito 7405 richmond
3:01 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Keep your animals with you and above all please keep your children safe.