Coyotes Kill Pit Bull In Attack On 3 Dogs In Deerfield Backyard

DEERFIELD, IL — A group of coyotes is suspected of attacking three dogs in a North Shore backyard, killing one pit bull and wounding another around 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

Deerfield pet owner Kathy Crann believes the coyotes entered through a small hole in an otherwise fully fenced-in backyard and targeted her 17-pound French bulldog, Louie, who survived the attack with minor bites to his ears.

The two pit bulls, 4-year-old Clover and 5-year-old Maggie, each weighing close to 40 pounds, managed to save him, she believes. But only Clover, with injures to her face, was able to make it back inside. Maggie was found fatally mauled.

In 11 years of living at the home, Crann said she had never before seen a coyote in the yard before, although she has spotted them regularly all over Deerfield. She said her veterinarian told her the dogs were likely attacked by a group of coyotes, because one would not have taken on two pit bulls alone. Crann urged all area dog owners to keep an eye on their pets and said she plans to no longer let her dogs out in the yard alone and likely would take them on more walks.

The coyote breeding season lasts from about December to April. While their normal diet consists of rabbits, fruit and small rodents, they commonly prey on small domestic animals if the opportunity presents itself. Local police say there is little they can do about the protected wildlife and cannot intervene unless they are sick, hurt or actively attacking a person or pet. They recommended only feeding pets indoors and clearing brush or dense weeds to decrease shelter and protective cover for both rodents and coyotes.

Lake County officials recommend anyone who encounters a coyote in their yard to shout and wave their arms around. Whistling, horns or other intimidating behavior is recommended to reinforce the coyote's fear of people and teach it that your yard is unavailable. Although coyotes are rarely dangerous to people, they should not be approached or fed.