Community Corner

East Nashville Coop Keeper Caught Up in Coyote Caper

An East Nashville poultryman says a coyote attacked his chickens.

J.R. Lind, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

EAST NASHVILLE, TN — An East Nashville man says his backyard brood was brutalized by a cunning coyote in a vicious attack Monday night, according to WKRN.

Matt Petty told the station he was getting ready for bed Monday when he heard terrified noises coming from the coop in his yard.

“I ran out to see what was happening, and there was what I think was a coyote just going crazy on the chicken coop,” he told WKRN. “That’s when I grabbed the shovel and went after it.”

Find out what's happening in East Nashvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Petty said the purported canine fled shortly thereafter. Three of his hens — V, Janice Jopla-hen and Dolly Part-hen —were uninjured, but the fourth member of the quartet, Loretta Hen, received 40 stitches.

Coyote sightings are fairly common in Tennessee, even in urban areas. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says that coyotes that have moved into urban areas are far less wary of humans than their counterparts who live in rural environs, where they are more likely to be hunted or trapped. In Nashville, parts of East Nashville and West Nashville, particularly areas close to large parks and the river, are hot spots for coyote sightings.

Find out what's happening in East Nashvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The TWRA has tips for dealing with and avoiding unpleasant interactions with coyotes:

  • Do not feed coyotes. When coyotes begin associating humans with food they loose their natural fears and may become dangerous.
  • Eliminate water sources. These areas attract rodents, birds and snakes which the coyote will prey upon.
  • Position bird feeders so coyotes can not get to the feed. Coyotes may also be attracted to birds and small mammals that have been lured in by the feeder.
  • Do not discard edible garbage. Coyotes are opportunistic and will eat any table scraps.
  • Secure garbage containers. Use trash barrels with lids that clamp down tight even when tipped over.
  • Do not place trash cans out the night before scheduled pick-up. Placing cans out in the morning before pick-up will give coyotes less time to scavenge. They will not have cover of darkness.
  • Do not leave barbecue grill outside and uncovered. The smell of the grill and the contents of the grills drip pan attracts coyotes.
  • Feed pets indoors whenever possible. Remove any leftovers if feeding outdoors. Store pet food in areas not accessible to other animals.
  • Clear brush and weeds from around property. This deprives the coyote's prey (small mammals and birds) of protective cover and deters coyote from hunting around your property.
  • A fenced yard may deter coyotes. The fence must be at least 6 feet high. Preferably the bottom of the fence should extend 6 inches below ground level.
  • Do not leave small children outside alone if coyotes have been frequenting the area.
  • Do not allow pets to run free. Provide secure housing especially at night. Small pets (cats, rabbits, small dogs) are favorite prey of coyotes.
  • Discourage coyotes from frequenting your area. Harass them by throwing rocks, shouting, and making loud noises when one is seen.

    • Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

    More from East Nashville