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Message: <blockquote data-quote="SueO" data-source="post: 1749130" data-attributes="member: 33442">Hi Jtweedy, Coyotes do avoid confrontation.  Normally, in broad daylight (especially with heavy human presence), coyotes would not attack. I realized when you asked this question that I made mention of worrying about the dogs at Bolsa Chica because of the coyote presence.  I only worried because people were closing in on the coyote and a logical escape for it might be up the bank where the Lab was.  I was concerned that the Lab might attempt some play and be bitten to give an escape route for the coyote. I was half kidding about the coyote tidbit on the leash, but really, when you corner a wild animal--stuff happens.I have a few years experience living in the wild areas of California and I can tell you that coyotes will kill dogs and cats if the situation permits.  When I first moved to a ‘wild’ area in my 20’s( I’m 57 now),  I did not believe a coyote would attack a dog.  I was sure they would go after more traditional prey.  I learned the hard way that they do. I fought people who were out for coyote blood when their pets were taken.  I tried to make people moving out to the “country” understand that there were consequences involved in moving to wild areas: keep the dogs and cats locked up at night (and the goats in barns against cougars).  The coyotes have had their habitat encroached upon and need to eat.  With less cottontails and rodents and open space they turn to easier prey.In certain areas of California, coyotes have been known to jump the fences of homes backing to wild areas and kill pets for food.  That is not the same as aggressive behaviour in my view, but pet owners would obviously take a different point of view.I shot the photo of the young coyote posted below through the rolled down window of my car at Lake Skinner in Temecula, California.Sue</blockquote>

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