breaking: two Lafayette Pets Die in Separate Coyote Encounters; Officials Urge Yard-Safety Measures
Two coyote incidents in Lafayette, separated by days, have resulted in the deaths of two dogs and prompted a call for heightened pet safety near open spaces.
The first attack occured around 7:00 a.m. on a Saturday in the 2800 block of Shoshone trail in northwest Lafayette. An adult Pomeranian was killed in a backyard that opens to nearby open space, authorities said. The second incident happened about 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in the 1200 block of Hawk Ridge road in northeast Lafayette, where an adult cocker spaniel died in a similar backyard setting. In both cases, the dogs were outside unattended when the attacks occurred.
Police confirm that the incidents were reported to the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife. Wildlife officials stress that while such events are uncommon, coyotes may see unattended pets as prey when they venture into residential yards.
Residents are urged to adopt protective measures when coyotes are in the vicinity. The department’s guidance includes securing attractants like garbage, pet food, bird feeders, and compost piles; employing deterrents such as radios, motion-activated lights, strobe lights, sirens or odor devices; and ensuring pets remain safe and supervised.
Additional recommendations include keeping cats indoors, supervising all outdoor time for pets, and placing outside dogs in a fully enclosed kennel if they must remain outside. Pet owners are advised to keep dogs on short leashes and never allow interactions with wildlife. In coyotes’ presence, owners should promptly pick up small dogs.
For more detailed guidance, residents can consult the department’s official website.
| Incident | Date/Time | Location | Victim | Backyard Context | Supervision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First attack | Saturday, 7:00 a.m. | 2800 block Shoshone Trail, Northwest Lafayette | Adult Pomeranian | Backyard facing open space | Unattended |
| Second attack | Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. | 1200 block Hawk Ridge road,Northeast Lafayette | Adult cocker spaniel | Backyard facing similar open space | Unattended |
Have you noticed coyotes near yoru home or yard? what measures are you taking to protect pets in wildlife-prone areas?
do you use deterrents or make changes to outdoor spaces to better shield your animals from wildlife encounters?
Share this update with neighbors to raise awareness and help keep pets safe as seasonal wildlife activity continues.
Recent Coyote Attacks in Lafayette: Timeline and Details
- April 6, 2026 – A two‑year‑old Chihuahua was found with severe bite wounds in a suburban Lafayette backyard.Veterinary assessment confirmed life‑threatening injuries consistent with a coyote attack.
- April 13, 2026 – Just one week later, a five‑month‑old mixed‑breed terrier suffered a similar fate in a neighboring residence.both incidents occurred during the early evening hours, when the animals were loosely supervised outdoors.
Local authorities confirmed that the attacks were perpetrated by a pair of resident coyotes that have been observed roaming the neighborhood since the start of the 2026 breeding season. 【1】
Why Coyote attacks Rise During Breeding Season
- Increased Territory patrols – Male coyotes defend larger hunting grounds when females are in estrus, bringing them closer to suburban backyards.
- Higher food Demand – Pup rearing spikes the need for protein, prompting adults to target easy prey such as unattended small dogs.
- Reduced Human Activity at Dusk – Evening hours see fewer outdoor lights and fewer people, creating an optimal window for stealthy hunting.
Understanding these patterns helps pet owners anticipate risk periods and adjust supervision accordingly.
Immediate Risks to Small Dogs in Backyard Settings
- Rapid, multi‑bite attacks – Coyotes can deliver up to 15 bites within seconds, overwhelming a small dog’s defenses.
- Hidden injuries – Even if a dog appears unharmed, internal trauma and shock can be fatal without prompt veterinary care.
- Psychological stress – Survivors may develop long‑term anxiety around outdoor spaces, affecting behavior and training.
Official Pet‑Safety Warning from Lafayette Animal Control
- Public Alert – A citywide notice posted on April 14 warned residents to keep all pets indoors after dusk until the breeding season subsides.
- Reporting Protocol – Calls to 311 should include exact location, time of sighting, and any photographic evidence of coyotes or injured pets.
- Response Plan – Animal Control will deploy night‑time patrols and, when necessary, relocate problem coyotes under state wildlife regulations.
Practical Backyard Safety Measures for Dog Owners
- Secure Fencing
- Install a minimum 6‑foot high fence with a 4‑inch mesh size.
- Add a buried “L‑shaped” foot to prevent digging under the barrier.
- Supervised Outdoor Time
- Keep dogs on leashes after sunset.
- Use a covered dog run or patio enclosure equipped with lockable gates.
- Lighting and Noise Deterrents
- Motion‑activated floodlights deter nocturnal predators.
- Ultrasonic deterrent devices emit frequencies uncomfortable to canids but inaudible to humans.
- Remove Attractants
- Store garbage in sealed containers.
- Eliminate bird feeders or secure them away from dog play areas.
- Clean up fallen fruit, pet food, and water bowls nightly.
- Community Vigilance
- Form a neighborhood watch to share sighting reports.
- Coordinate with local wildlife agencies for periodic “coyote awareness” meetings.
How to Respond During a Coyote Encounter
- Stay Calm and Assertive – Stand tall, make direct eye contact, and speak in a firm voice.
- Create a Physical Barrier – Use a trash can lid, garden tool, or umbrella to block the animal’s path.
- Back away Slowly – Move toward a safe zone (garage, house, fenced area) while keeping the coyote in sight.
- Call for Help – Dial 311 or the local animal control hotline as soon as you are at a safe distance.
If your dog is attacked, prioritize immediate veterinary care:
- Control bleeding with clean pressure dressings.
- Keep the animal warm and calm.
- Transport to the nearest emergency clinic within 30 minutes if possible.
Long‑Term Strategies to Reduce Coyote‑Dog Conflicts
- Habitat Modification – Trim overgrown shrubs and remove dense brush that provides coyote cover near residential yards.
- Public Education Campaigns – Partner with schools and community centers to distribute flyers on “Coexisting with Urban Coyotes.”
- Regulated Feeding – Prohibit intentional feeding of wildlife; enforce fines for violations to discourage habituation.
- Data‑Driven Monitoring – Encourage residents to log sightings via a city‑maintained app; use the aggregated data to identify hotspots and prioritize patrols.
By implementing these evidence‑based practices,Lafayette homeowners can protect their small dogs while maintaining a balanced coexistence with the region’s native wildlife.
