Deerfield Pet Dog Killed In Backyard Coyote Attack

DEERFIELD, IL — A Deerfield pet owner said that their dog was fatally mauled by a coyote in their backyard Sunday night. The dog was reportedly attacked around 10:30 p.m. and later died from its injuries, police said. A Chihuahua named Honeybun was identified as the victim in the attack, WLS-TV reported. Her owner said she ran outside after hearing the 10-year-old dog yelping with concern and found the 9-pound dog had been mortally wounded in the attack.

Deerfield police reminded the public to stay diligent with their pets by keeping them on a leash and under supervision. Coyotes in Illinois are protected under state law and can only be removed it they show signs of illness, injury or if there's a risk to human life, police said.

A local expert told the station coyotes are especially aggressive this time of year, following matins season.

"From now until August, the female is the aggressor because she's trying to protect the pups," said longtime trapper Rob Erickson of Scientific Wildlife Management, who sometimes deploys decoy coyotes and uses loudspeakers to broadcast recordings of their howls on loudspeakers to judge their aggression.

Related:

• Coyote Attacks Family Dog In North Suburban Backyard: Video
  
• Coyote Attack Suspected In Death Of Lake Forest Dog
  
• Coyote Kills Dog In Palatine Backyard
  
• 'Huge' Coyote Spotted In Lake View, North Center: Reports

The Deerfield Police Department Thursday released the following tips:

Coyotes and all other predatory mammals are opportunistic hunters. While the coyotes' principal diet may be small rodents, rabbits and fruit, they will not hesitate to prey on small domestic animals if the opportunity provides for such. The following tips can help minimize the coyote population in your area and protect your pet:

• Keep small pets (cats, rabbits, small dogs) indoors, allowing them outside only under supervision.
• Dogs should be brought inside after dark and never allowed to run loose. This is especially important during mating season, which is February through April.
• Feed pets indoors or promptly remove dishes when pets complete their meal outside. Store bags of pet food indoors.
• Clear brush and dense weeds from around property. This deprives rodents of shelter and reduces protective cover for coyotes.
• Use trash barrels equipped with tight clamping devices on the lids, which will prevent spills should they be tipped over by large animals.
• Do not feed or provide water for coyotes or other wildlife. This practice abnormally attracts coyotes and promotes increased numbers of rodents, birds,snakes and other creatures that can provide major portions of the coyote’s natural diet.

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