Countryside Manor has had at least three dogs snatched by coyotes while the owners were present. Two from one family just two days apart, and one in a fenced backyard. In the backyard episode, the coyote tried to jump the fence and lost the dog in the process. It survived after an approx. $2300 vet bill was incurred. Please be aware that coyotes are getting more and more aggressive. A quick scour of the internet provided the following advice for dealing with coyotes:

• Protect your children! Though, there have not been any reports of children attacks by coyotes in Lake County, why try to be the first?
• Protect your pets! Coyotes will attack and kill cats and small dogs. Do not allow your pets to roam, especially at night.
• Do not allow your dogs to run with coyotes.
• Don't leave pet food outside.
• Avoid feeding pets outside at all; wildlife can smell where the food has been even if it has already been eaten.
• Keep your pets on a leash when walking them.
• Absolutely don’t try to feed or pet coyotes.
• Keep bird feeders clean. Free birdseed attracts wild animals.
• Close off sheds and porches. Coyotes and other animals look for places where they can make dens.
• Cut back brush. Overgrown bushes and shrubs give cover for coyotes and their prey.

If you do encounter coyotes in your yard or while walking your pets, and can not avoid confrontation, keep in mind that it is illegal to discharge firearms within Lake County. Some actions that you can take are:

• Use a loud, authoritative voice to frighten the animal.
• You can throw rocks or sticks to frighten it away.
• Use pepper spray. Pepper spray effects coyotes as it would a human.