Coyote kills two dogs in Wolcott

Wolcott (WTNH) - A Wolcott man is mourning the loss of two of his dogs. He says the animals were attacked by a coyote. Now he is worried that more animals may be at risk.

"Dogs being dogs, they started barking and maybe took off after it. And whatever happened, happened by 30 feet in," Santoro said.

It happened quickly. Surprisingly to Santoro, it was in the middle of the afternoon. Two of his five dogs, a Schitzu and Yorkie Chihuahua were attacked by a coyote. The Schitzu is killed in the woods, the Yorkie manages to escape only to die at the vets a few hours later

Research has determined that coyotes have flourished in populated areas due to an absence of harrassment by residents. The animal loses its fear of Humans,, and that should increase our fear of them.

This is a busy street leading to Wolcott High School. But over to the left there are lots of trees and more than five acres of wood wetlands. Though it is bordered on all sides by buildings, it is fertile wilderness for great wildlife.

"What we are concerned about is these coyotes being out in the daytime, with our own kids playing and the day care center being involved on the adjoining property," Santoro said.

Local animal control authorities throughout the state would like citizens to report any coyote sightings. It helps in providing safety to know the time of day and location of these animals.