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Health & Fitness

Coyotes Are on the Prowl in Diamond Bar

One coyote reportedly entered Diamond Bar home through a doggie door. How do you protect against the creatures?

There was a pounding on the door yesterday. My normally passive mailman was nearly breathless, "Do you know there is a coyote in the neighborhood?" This was the third time he had seen the animal this week.

Yes. The danger is this animal is unafraid. He "took a dump" in front of a neighbor's visitor and was on the doorstep of the other neighbor who has been spotting him every day since they brought home a new pup.

We are normally very cautious with our small dogs, even 30 seconds alone in the backyard once put my husband's pup nose to nose with a coyote in the middle of the afternoon. 

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We got very lucky. The young male carnivore seemed confused that the "bunny" was barking at him. Which gave my husband and I just enough time to come running at it from two different directions. Fleet of foot, the coyote vaulted easily over the 6' fence.

Coyote attacks on humans are rare. Still, the animals should be considered wild. The jogger who got bitten last year in the vicinity of Reagan Park undoubtedly would recommend caution. I bet she would have a few choice words for the IQ-challenged joggers who are known to throw doggie treats to coyotes. 

Find out what's happening in Diamond Bar-Walnutwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Coyotes share genetic code with dogs and they are regulars to our neighborhoods, that does not make them our friends.

On Flintlock yesterday, I understand that a coyote followed the family pet through a doggie door and into the home. My heart breaks for that family. 

What do you do to keep yourself and your family pets safe from coyotes?   

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