Be aware of increased coyote activity

Many residents are noticing increased coyote activity around the Coachella Valley recently. The behavior is something experts say is typical in the spring.

As our temperatures are already beginning to heat up, the official start to spring is still over a month away: March 20.

One Valley woman says her dog, Milo, was attacked by a coyote in her own backyard. The attack happened around 2 a.m. two weeks ago.

“My mom started hearing the yelping, so she came outside and saw a huge coyote with Milo in its mouth,” said dog owner, Kayla Ihde.

Milo let himself out through a dog door and that’s when the Idhe family and neighbors heard the dog’s cries.

“He was bit 8 times. He got him from his front and then Milo flipped over on his stomach, He ripped through his muscles and groin area. His colon was out and his jugular popped out,” explained Kayla.

Milo had to undergo a number of surgeries, and left the Idhe family with a $3,000 medical bill.

“They call him the coyote survivor at the VCA Animal Hospital,” Kayla said.

According to the Deputy Director at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, Frank Corvino, it’s coyote season.

“We live in the desert. This is where coyotes live. We’re living in their environment. They will adapt to the houses and places to go where they know they can get an easy meal,” Corvino said.

Corvino warns people to be aware of their surroundings.

“There’s no relocating coyotes. If you’re walking your dog, I always suggest a loud whistle…If you see a coyote lurking, make yourself big and try to scare them away,” Corvino said.

“My mom doesn’t want this to happen to our dogs or anyone else’s dog either,” Ihde said.

Tips from The California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

“Coyote Country” precautions:

Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be deadly conflicts with pets or livestock, or serious injuries to small children Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended. . Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If that fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction If a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact the nearest Department of Fish and Wildlife or law enforcement office. After normal business hours, call 911 Stash your food and trash