Police Warning Bloomington Pet Owners After Coyote Attacks
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (WCCO) -- Police want pet owners in one south metro suburb to be extra cautious after a series of deadly coyote attacks.
Bloomington resident Patty Palacios lost her dog a few weeks ago to a coyote. Bloomington Police say her dog, Buddy, is one of six dogs that have been attacked in the last few weeks within the same 5-mile stretch.
Police say five of them died.
Palacios said 5-year-old Buddy was a rescue dog that had been living with her family for about one year.
"He was so patient with the kids," Palacios said.
Palacios said she wishes she could have saved Buddy again before the coyote got to him.
"I let him out one more time before bed," Palacios said.
Palacios said Buddy was just about 20 feet from the front door when she turned her back for a moment to get a bag.
Buddy did not have his leash on.
"I heard him bark three times then I heard silence," Palacios said. "I knew something wasn't right then I saw the flash of white and the coyote go around the corner of my neighbor's town home."
Palacios said her 11-year-old twins woke up to her screams.
After Buddy brought her family so much love, she had to teach her children about death.
"Something took something that means a lot to our family and that's not supposed to happen," Palacios said.
Bloomington police have released a video to warn pet owners in the area that it is likely the same coyote targeting small dogs.
Police warn pet owners the best line of defense is to be outside with small dogs, put them on a leash and make a lot of loud noise if a coyote approaches.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports coyotes usually run from people.
An adult coyote weighs between 25 to 30 pounds, so smaller dogs are more at risk.
The Bloomington Police Department said it is not uncommon for coyotes to roam in residential areas like Bloomington because it's so close to the Minnesota River Valley.
But anyone with a pet should keep an eye out, especially in that five mile stretch of Bloomington.
