Coyote seen this morning

In my backyard on Gentle Heights court, adjacent to the woods.
Observed it for close to 10 minutes.
Contacted game warden who provided a great resource on living with coyotes in VA.
http://www.dgif.state.va.us/wildlife/habitat_partners/infosheets/coyote.pdf

 

that's right where i walk my dog - yikes!

 

I've seen coyotes in that area before while out walking....they won't bother you.

 

what if you are walking a dog that looks like an appetizer?

 

hmmm...

 

haaa!!! exactly! when Beemer was a puppy I was afraid of birds swooping down and grabbing him- he was the size of a bunny!

 

You'll need to pick him up.

 

My dog sniffed one out of some bushes between the walking path on Claiborne and the townhouses near the Ridgeway/Claiborne intersection. At first I thought it was a fox....but now I'm thinking it was likely a coyote.
My 35 pound dog put his nose into some bushes...and I saw the animal dart away.

 

keep your camera by the back door from now on! we want pics!

 

I've seen one in my backyard, but hubby didn't believe me. So I'm glad to know others have seen them also!

 

heeey, sooo, does anyone think animal control should catch it and move it to a habitat where it can find food that ISN'T likely a domestic pet...? I don't even want to walk to trails with my dog now because I am worried that a hungry coyote might think a JTR resembles a tasty snack. or walking thru the trails and catching it by surprise, leading to an attack? and aren't they pack animals? either it's not alone or it's away from it's pack and stressed out roaming around the sparse woods in the 'burbs... and i won't even go into my werewolf in disguise as a coyote theory....

am i over reacting?:sadhide:

 

redon, I can understand your concern. Really though if you are out walking your pet no matter the size, there seems to be little chance of an encounter with a coyote. BTW, I have a small 14 pound dog, that always is outside with me. Coyotes are skittish, and not aggressive. I have heard of coyotes behind my house for several years. I've not seen them, but have heard their cubs cry. Never have I felt a threat from them. Add to this that I am not aware of any reports of coyote attacks in Ashburn, which tells me they probably stay to themselves. Consider it a treat that some have been able to observe them, as I think that is a rare occurrence. Just my 2 cents, your paranoia may differ.

 

ha! thanks afgm, you have set my mind at ease a bit- i guess ignorance was bliss for me... but i do agree with you that it's a treat to be able to observe them, as long as they don't observe my baby as a TREAT.

i really need hypnosis to release all of these fears and paranoias that plague me lately. anyone got a referral?