Coyotes vs. pets can be a problem for residents

Friday, Feb. 20, 2004 | 10:22 a.m.

NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE

Serious injuries that have been suffered recently by dogs has prompted the NDOW to caution pet owners to not allow their pets to chase rabbits, quail and other wildlife.

"Dogs in the Las Vegas and Reno areas have been attacked by coyotes and suffered severe injuries while they were chasing rabbits and other wildlife," said Frank Chaves, NDOW supervising game warden. "Coyotes are in the peripheries of these cities and they will defend their territories from other canines such as dogs,"

Chaves said there was a recent incident in Las Vegas where a dog was allowed to chase rabbits and was in turn attacked by coyotes. Its owners incurred $2,000 in veterinary expenses, which was half what was paid several years ago by a dog owner in Reno whose pet was allowed to chase wildlife.

"These attacks on dogs seem to happen on a weekly basis," Chaves. "It's irresponsible for pet owners to allow their dogs to chase wildlife."

Besides being potentially harmful to pets, harassing wildlife is unlawful and pet owners could be cited for allowing this to occur. This is because of the potential harm that wildlife can suffer as the result of being chased by dogs.

Chaves said that this is the time of year when coyotes are pairing up and will defend their territories. Coyotes will attack dogs as they protect their pups from what they perceive as a threat from another canine.

"Dogs are easy prey for a pair of coyotes. They will tag team the dogs and tear them up, causing considerable suffering to the dogs and thousands of dollars in bills for their owners," said Chaves.

Information about coyotes in Nevada can be obtained on NDOW's web site at www.ndow.org.