Coyotes Suspected in Attacks on Cats

Residents of Collins Street in north Sherman Oaks claim there have been two fatal incidents in the last two weeks in which coyotes have killed pet cats.

"One of them happened two weeks ago; the other happened Sunday with us," said Samantha Sage, who lives on Collins Street, north of the 101 Freeway.

Speaking by phone, Sage said that in the first incident, a neighbor lost her longtime cat T.C. "A neighbor saw a half-eaten feline corpse on her neighbor's lawn and recognized the cat," Sage said.

"The neighbor called the owner, who had not seen her kitty that night. Animal patrol was notified," she said.

"Then today [Sunday], while I was away in the morning, another neighbor found our cat, half-eaten, in the middle of his lawn. They graciously placed him in a box and brought him home," Sage said.

"My poor husband cannot get the image out of his mind," she said.

Sage has notified Neighborhood Watch captain Karen Cini, and emails have been sent out to more than 100 residents.

Meantime, Sage attempted to confirm the cause of her pet's death.

"I took our kitty to the vet so that he could be cremated, but I asked three of the vets in the office to see if they could determine what might have caused this. Everyone agreed: This was a coyote attack," she said.

"The vets and staff tell me that there have been actual coyote sightings as far south as the Chandler Estates in the past few months," Sage added.

"Some people in the vet office have said that they have seen packs of two or more coyotes on Burbank [Boulevard] late at night. They believe that the coyotes are coming down from the hills, and that there may be some in the Sepulveda Basin area."

Writing a warning to residents along Collins Street, Sage added the following information in an email to Sherman Oaks Patch:

"The vets tell me the coyotes are hungry and thirsty, and that this pack, or small group, is particularly bold, aggressive and vicious. They may enter into yards where the gates are open, and will go after not only small animals, but also infants and even toddlers if left unattended. They may set out after dusk, and 'run the area' until dawn.

"Close your gates. Keep your furry loved ones indoors at night, and have caution if you are out for evening walks or bicycle rides, and don't leave your wee ones unattended."

Sage added, "If anyone sees anything, please let us know, so that we can make an official report to local vets and authorities."