Part of the responsibility of pet ownership is being aware of the dangers that your dog or cat may face from wild animals. As pop star Jessica Simpson learned so painfully, these dangers are not limited to wilderness areas; they can also be found in your own backyard.
The singer was devastated after her beloved Maltipoo, Daisy, was snatched by a coyote in front of her eyes. Hoping for the best, Simpson launched a massive search for Daisy before accepting the reality of her tragic loss. The lesson: your pet is more vulnerable than you may realize to a deadly attack by a wild animal.
Below is a list of ten common animal attackers, along with advice on what you can do to protect your pet from their dangers.
1. Coyotes
Every summer, many pet cats and dogs go missing because of these fierce creatures. Elizabeth Rozanski, assistant professor of emergency and critical care at Tufts University’s Foster Hospital for Small Animals in North Grafton, Massachusetts, confirmed Simpson’s fears about coyote behavior: “Coyotes definitely do attack. Unfortunately, what coyotes do is kill cats and dogs, not injure them,” Rozanski said.
Contrary to what many suburbanites believe, Coyotes are found all over North America and make their homes in parks, river corridors, and even cemeteries. If you live in coyote country, you should think twice about letting your cat or small dog out overnight. Do not leave pet food out overnight, as this attracts coyotes, and be sure to secure your household garbage, as these predators and others are resourceful scavengers.
2. Snakes
Snakes pose another lurking danger to your pet. ABC News reports that most snakebites in the United States come from the pit vipers, a family of venomous snakes that includes water moccasins and copperheads, found in abundance all over North America. Attacks by these reptiles most often occur when a dog is moving about through grass and sniffing through burrows.
Though it’s difficult to prevent a snakebite, they’re usually not fatal. If your pet is bitten by a snake, immobilize him, and bring him to your veterinarian immediately.
(Learn more about snakebites on WebVet.com.)
3. Cougars
Cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas, are found in the American far west and southwest. (In the eastern United States, the only confirmed population is in rural Florida, where the cougar is known as the Florida Panther.) Once hunted almost to extinction, cougars have increased in numbers in recent years and sightings are no longer rare. These big cats pose a serious danger for outdoor pets if you live in regions where they’re found. Though cougars are more interested in hunting livestock, they will attack a pet if an opportunity arises.
The owner of a victim who watched as his dog was attacked by a cougar told ESPN.com, “If I’d gotten out there five or ten seconds later, there was no way the dog would have survived.”
While rare, attacks on humans have been reported as well, so if you see a cougar on your property, notify animal control or the police immediately.
