OAKDALE, Minn. — City leaders mentioned a coyote is on the prowl within the east metro, warning it is already attacked at the very least one canine.
That’s why officers need pet homeowners to keep away from walks at Oakdale Nature Preserve.
The protect is usually a peaceable east metro escape to nature, however that peace was damaged for one canine proprietor early Monday night, when Oakdale police mentioned an 8-pound Pomeranian was attacked by a coyote.
“A coyote got here up from the aspect and again space and bit the canine in sort of the bottom, legs space,” Oakdale Police Chief Nick Newton mentioned. “We perceive the canine was handled at a vet clinic and is recovering properly.”
Melody Fox remains to be shaken after a scary scenario of her personal on the protect final week.
“I noticed one thing sneak up alongside the right-hand aspect of me and I whirled round and I mentioned, ‘Hey!’ as a result of I noticed it, it was about the identical peak as my dogs,” Fox mentioned.
Fox mentioned she was walking her two purple labs, August and Sunny, early within the morning when a coyote crossed from behind.
“It barked and growled and my dogs had been barking and growling at it,” Fox mentioned. “It did this like bizarre, loopy, almost human, eerie scream, bark, growl factor and I’m like, ‘Well, we’re not ending our walk.’ We acquired home, inside and simply broke down and hugged my dogs.”
If you encounter a coyote, make loads of noise, mentioned Newton.
“Be alert. Be conscious of your environment and do you have to encounter a coyote to make use of hazing and be loud and encourage that coyote to go away from you,” Newton mentioned.
Fox says she’ll now wait till daylight to ensure she and her dogs keep secure.
“Carry one thing and maintain your head on a swivel and seize your canine if it is small,” she mentioned.
Police mentioned town is engaged on a technique to push coyotes deeper into the park.
You can assist maintain coyotes away by securing your trash and holding pet meals indoors.
