TULSA— Tulsa- A Brookside resident recently posted on social media that he saw a small black dog attacked near 49th and Boston and carried off to the river.
It's the latest coyote sighting in Brookside putting pet owners on high alert.
Kimberly Jantz of Brookside enjoys outdoor activities , like going on walks with her 4 year old daughter.
“The only time we can do that is in the evening hours and I know that's when coyotes are most active so it's actually a bit terrifying,” Jantz said.
Coyotes are common predators in Oklahoma-- but something some pet owners in Brookside are not accustomed to.
“I didn't realize that that there's been such a huge issue with the coyotes in this neighborhood,” she said.
Some of her neighbors are using social media to spread the word. Neighbors are left wondering why when they contact the city about coyotes, they’re told there’s nothing the city can do.
“Number one they're just gonna be there because we're in their natural habitat coyotes are very adaptive to lots of different surroundings," said Colin Berg.
Berg is an education officer with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. He says it’s up to pet owners to protect their loved ones from wildlife predators.
“If you're feeding your dogs or your cats outside make sure you're not leaving any extra scraps around make sure that your trash is always put up in a good container that animals can't get into and also just keep your yard mowed,” Berg said.
Advice many in this neighborhood are taking to heart.
"I do wish that there was more that can be done but I'm not particularly surprised that vigilance of those that live in this neighborhood is the only solution being offered right now,” Jantz said.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation has a list of licensed wildlife trappers on its website.
But experts say coyotes are one of the most difficult animals to catch.
Their best advice is to keep an eye on your pets, especially at night.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
