Utah Coyotes Kill 4 Pet Cats in Sandy Neighborhood

Officials have warned that this increase is not typical as coyotes have been killing pet cats in the Sandy neighborhood in Utah.

Pet Cats vs. Coyotes in Sandy, Utah

Wildlife officials have issued a warning to neighbors on Sandy's east bench because of an uptick in coyote activity.

In the past week, there has been an increase, according to Ian Williams, Sandy neighborhood's director of animal services, and three to four cats have been killed by coyotes. Even while it occurs frequently throughout the year, having so many within a small timeframe is a little unusual.

The majority of coyote attacks have taken place in areas adjacent to Dimple Dell Regional Park.

Since it's an undeveloped park, Williams said, the locals do run into a lot of wildlife. Deer, coyotes, and the periodic appearance of a mountain lion reside in the park.

Keeping Pets Safe from Coyote Encounters

Residents of Sandy are urged to exercise caution and to bring small pets inside, especially at night. Williams also advises emptying any leftover pet food bowls that have been left outside, to avoid drawing in wildlife that they don't want in their yards. The intention is to reduce the likelihood of such an encounter between locals and wildlife.

One of the reasons Lorin Pugh hikes through Dimple Dell Regional Park four to five times each week is a chance encounter.

The coyotes had been spotted twice by Pugh, both times in the middle of the day, which shocked him.

Although Pugh worries for Luna's safety, he keeps her leashed up close while they are out for a stroll.

Pugh claims that the fact that his dog never leaves his side makes things safer.

The number of coyotes living in the Dimple Dell region is unclear. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources states that coyotes are not considered to be protected wildlife and that they are not monitored or surveyed. When a coyote is encountered or comes into contact with humans, DWR advises yelling, hurling rocks, beating on objects, or spraying it with water.

Williams claimed that locals and wildlife coexist in this area. Urban and mountain life mix in Sandy, so residents will have to learn to balance keeping animals out of their yards as best they can with caring for their pets and enabling wildlife to coexist with the town.

Pugh, on the other hand, believes that nature owns the land, and he considers it a great day if he sees a wild animal while he is out and about.

Coyotes

The majority of the coyote's nighttime hunting is done by the animal on its own. It eats meat in large quantities and although it also consumes birds and snakes, the majority of its diet consists of mammals. While it loves fresh kill, it will still eat carrion. The coyote frequently consumes vegetables, fruits, and berries in the fall and winter. The coyote pounces on its prey after standing still and stiffening its legs while hunting small prey like mice. Coyotes frequently pursue badgers and catch creatures that emerge from burrows.