Raves, Rants & Roses

REPLY: In response to Buster Barlow’s rant entitled “Uptown Coyotes:”

I am very sympathetic toward all who have lost a beloved pet to a coyote attack. I have called animal control numerous times as I have also seen these creatures running through my south Tyler neighborhood. They claim there is not much they can do about the problem.

However, as pet owners, we can control our pets’ destiny and prevent these attacks. If you own a cat, bring the animal in the house before dark; the same applies to small dogs.

Also, don’t leave pet-food bowls with uneaten food outside. It’s also a good idea not to walk a small dog on a leash before sunrise as a hungry coyote will attack a small dog whether he’s on a leash or not.

In a nutshell, keep all of your pets in the house until the sun is up and bring them in before dark. As a cat owner myself, I have discovered that cats can be quite happy in the house all of the time. Mine wouldn’t go outside for anything.

We all know Tyler is growing and there is a lot of construction. When this happens, natural habitats for these creatures are destroyed so they have no choice but to move into other territories, which often includes our neighborhoods.

When they are in their natural habitats, they have plenty of food to eat which doesn’t include our beloved pets. As much as I don’t appreciate the coyotes and the havoc they create within the city, I do understand they are only acting on their innate instincts to hunt and feed. The best we can do is make the hunting a bit more difficult and perhaps they will move on to another area for.

Diane Hammett
Tyler