Feb 26, 2008 7:55 pm US/Mountain
Woman Warns About Coyotes After Her Dog Is Killed
Reporting
Paul Day
DENVER (CBS4) ―
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Satori Marchitti's dog Louis was killed by a coyote.
CBS
A woman in southeast Denver is urging her neighbors to take precautions against coyotes after her small dog was attacked and killed.
It happened in the backyard of her home along the 8200 block of East Lehigh Drive near Rosamond Park.
There are now signs posted in the area warning about the coyotes. Coyotes are not new to the area, but for some dog owners, who've posted the signs, what's surprising is how brazen the coyotes have become.
They thought nothing of invading a fenced yard and killing the dog that was left unattended. Satori Marchitti bolted into backyard when she realized there was trouble. Marchitti's dog, Louis, was being attacked by at least one coyote. The tiny pet had been let outside after dark. The coyote injuries killed him.
"You know it's animal behavior, but it's a horrific way for a family pet to die," Marchitti said.
Marchitti is not just sad, she's frustrated. She said she can't fight back. She can't shoot coyotes in the city, and it's illegal to relocate them.
"We should be able to protect our own yard," she said. "I feel like scared in my own yard."
Jack Murphy from Urban Wildlife Rescue makes a living controlling critters like squirrels, skunks and raccoons, but Murphy said coyotes are different.
"People are pretty darn restricted," Murphy said. "About all you can really do is chase them away."
The Colorado Division of Wildlife recommends taking two precautions against coyotes: never let your pets roam, especially at night; and install a fence at least 6 feet high. Better yet, consider a kennel with a roof.
"It's a jungle out there and people need to be aware of that," Murphy said.
Marchitti has already installed outdoor lighting and plans to upgrade her fence if she ever gets another dog.
"I think, for me, it's a life-changing event where I'm going to change the fences," she said. "I'm not ever going to let my dog out here without me being out here."
The Division of Wildlife doesn't keep statistics on pets lost of coyote attacks.
Marchitti wants other dog owners to learn from her sad experience. She's put together a leaflet and has circulated it around the neighborhood.
Murphy believes about 20 coyotes live in the eight square-mile area. They usually eat rabbits and squirrels.
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