If you have a fenced backyard, letting your dog out without supervision likely isn't something you think twice about. The fence may keep your pup in—but that doesn't mean it will keep predators out. A San Jose couple are using their dog's harrowing experience to warn pet owners to keep a watchful eye on their furry friends, even in their own backyards.
Yuki, a Bichon Frise belonging to Anne and Masa Hayashi, almost died in a recent coyote attack. The Hayashis told NBC Bay Area that several coyotes came into their yard by squeezing through an 8-inch gap under their fence.
Yuki survived, but he lost an eye. Anne said she discovered him in their yard after the New Year's Day attack. She said, "Shock. He was in terrible shape." The couple installed wire so it won't happen again.
The couple's surveillance cameras caught the six coyotes on video walking toward their back porch. It's not the first time coyotes have surfaced in the area. Masa Hayashi said he had seen one or two before, but not in a large pack.
"Six coyotes. They can attack small dogs, big dogs, and what's even more scary, they can attack children, and that would be a sad scenario," he said.
The pair are taking a proactive approach within their community. They printed flyers and posted them in their neighborhood. And while in another neighborhood by the Almaden Valley Country Club, Annie said, "I heard a dog was attacked, but not as bad as Yuki."
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, coyote attacks of pets are not uncommon. The department's Peter Tira told NBC Bay Area, "As coyotes spend time in neighborhoods, and become comfortable around people and our neighborhoods, they can become bolder and more aggressive. And we've seen them take pets such as cats and small dogs quite often. And it's avoidable and preventable. But it takes a neighborhood effort."
Tira gave a few suggestions for keeping coyotes at bay. He said residents can throw rocks, make loud noises, keep food inside, close up garbage, and eliminate rats.
The Hayashis are thankful that Yuki lived through the terrifying attack, and they are trying to raise awareness so it doesn't happen to anyone else. Anne said, "Everyone thinks if your pets are behind the fence, they're safe. They're not."
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