Coyotes in my driveway
 

I was just waking up to take Ivan and Iris out for our morning walk when Ivan started barking at the window. We could all see a coyote on the hill just on the other side of my backyard fence. I saw it run around the side of the house when it heard Ivan barking so I looked out the window on that side, and there was a whole family there! They came through the fence along the driveway somewhere and, there they were, a whole family of coyotes, right in my driveway and hunting their way up the street and to the other hillside!!!!! :eek::eek::eek:
I'm terrified to take the pups out for their morning walk now. I don't even want to take them in the backyard. The coyotes were right there on the other side of the backyard fence and right, practically, at my front door! I don't know what to do.

:eek: OMG how scary!! I would contact someone. I found this website for you.

Fox & Coyote Removal and Control - Professional Wildlife Management

http://www.wildlife-removal.com/city/CA-San-Diego.htm

San Diego, CA

Wildlife Removal Services, Inc.
619-228-5258

I wouldn't try to do anything yourself, esp if it is a family. The mother is going to be really protecting and probably mean. I would also stay clear from them and do not let your babies without a leash on outside, and make sure there isn't a lot of lee-way. If you have to walk them I would drive somewhere safe, Coyotes are getting very brave and just taking dogs from owners right next to them!

I have heard how aggressive coyotes are getting, especially in So. CA. The attacks are heartbreaking. I would not take a chance. We have coyotes here, too. Daisy is never off leash outside and we don't go out walking at early hours or after dusk. We also have 3 big dogs that go with us. There are also hawks and owls! Be safe, not sorry.

OMG! So scary! I would have flipped out.

I know they are way up the hill by now but I'm totally freaking out! I have to take the pups out to potty soon and I don't feel safe going outside. My poor babies can't hold it forever and they are still not using the indoor potty in our new place. I was so scared of this when we moved here.

Take one at a time out to potty, grab a stick or something to scare them. There is nothing you can do, but do the right thing and call someone to take care of it so you and your babies are safe.

Laguna Beach population took the Coyote problem to the city council....they've brought in experts to take them out. Beverly Hills has had their dogs taken from their fenced yards......

Thanks for all the advice and the link.

The panic has subsided a bit. I just took them in the backyard because it's fenced in with a 5 ft. fence all around and we just put in a snake fence too, so I figured, if a coyote tried to get in, I'd see it in time to get the pups back inside. They were on leash and I had a noise maker with me just in case. We had to run around in circles out there of for a minute because Ivan usually needs a bit of exercise to get his system moving in the morning, but that's ok. It worked. They did their business and we are all back in, safe and sound. I think we will be taking our early morning and evening potty breaks in the backyard from now on, even if I have to get dizzy jogging in a 12 ft circle, flapping my arms and yelling to scare away anything that might be out there. The new neighbors are really going to love me. lol

I have mixed feelings about calling for some sort of coyote removal. Our condo complex is built right into an open, natural hillside. I feel like we're living in the coyote's neighborhood and should respect that. That being said, I obviously want to protect my babies. I'm not sure what the right balance it.

I agree when you say you want to respect the coyotes, but at what cost? I don't think it is right to just start killing the coyotes, but you have a situation on your hands and you need to protect yourself and your babies. Maybe you can find a place that will relocate them..? Too bad Billy the Exterminator doesn't live out here!!

For now the only thing you can do is make sure you have something to protect yourself when you are outside... Maybe you should get a BB gun or something? I will try to look around for you to see if we can get you some help!

I found this link, it has some helpful hints on protecting your fence.

Animal Advocates - Coyote information, Los Angeles, California - Mary Cummins

Coyotes
 

If you can afford it get an enclosed dog run for them with all sides including the top covered. I live out in the country in Alberta, Canada and I have this run attached to a doggie door from my house. Nothing can get at them and they are safe from hawks, owls, coyotes, etc..

Great link. Thank you!! I will look into the roll fencing with my HOA. There are many small dog owners here and I'm sure they'd all be interested.

You are welcome! I emailed the Wildlife of San Diego to see what you can do and if they know of anyone that will relocate them... I'll let you know what they say!! I will also keep looking to see what you can do!

:eek::eek: Very scary! Scary and frustrating, I'm sure, because you want to take your dogs outside .

I went to school in Cali, and I encountered a coyote in the parking lot. *shivers*