Extra Special Pets & Animals
Oct 3, 2009 10:57 pm US/Central
Minnetonka Woman Suspects Coyotes Harmed Area Cats
MINNETONKA, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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"There has never been a documented attack on a person by a coyote in the state. They're generally afraid of people," said Jason Abraham with the Minn. DNR. (File)
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An animal usually seen on the prairie is making its way to the suburbs. Some people in Minnetonka said they have spotted coyotes in their yard, and they may be going after neighborhood cats.
Heidi Skarie has been missing her cat for about a month. The cat's name is Blackdog. He's been the family pet for 13 years.
"You miss your wonderful pet that you have had all these years and I think it's really hard on the other cat too," she said.
The family thinks a coyote might have gotten the cat.
"I started finding out from the neighbors that they had spotted coyotes and even just one house down and then right across the street, kind of kiddy-corner, they had said that they had seen coyotes coming through," added Skarie.
There are more missing cats in the neighborhood. WCCO found three posters of lost cats.
"Putting that together with how many missing cat signs there are, and that's not usual," said Skarie.
Minnetonka Police said they've had 39 cases of people saying they've seen coyotes. The DNR says it becoming more common to see the wild animals in the suburbs.
"In certain areas around the suburban Twin Cities like Minnetonka and other areas, coyotes do come in from the rural parts of the state and it does appear that there may be somewhat of a population increase," said Jason Abraham with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Coyotes are afraid of people and are unlikely to hurt you.
"There has never been a documented attack on a person by a coyote in the state. They're generally afraid of people," said Abraham.
But what should you do if you spot a coyote in your yard?
"If you see a coyote around your house, try to harass it a little bit. Go outside and yell or bang on a pot and pan," advised Abraham.
Motion-detecting lights also scare coyotes off. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your pet when they're outside.
Sonia Goins, Producer
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