Coyote kills dog near Tanner Dog Park

The attack occurred early June 15th.

A 5-year-old Miniature Schnauzer named Blaze was fatally attacked by a coyote near Tanner Park last week, Salt Lake County officials said.

The dog appeared to have escaped through an open gate from its owner’s home before the attack early June 15, according to a news release from Salt Lake County Animal Services.

The nearby Tanner Dog Park has a large off-leash area that’s popular with dog owners in Salt Lake City.

The owners of Blaze want area residents to be informed of recent coyote sightings, the press release said.

The Salt Lake County Animal Service shared several tips on how people can avoid encounters and conflicts with coyotes.

prevent encounters

Don’t feed coyotes and remove things that might attract them to your property, like pet food, water sources, bird feeders and fallen fruit, officials advise.

If possible, keep trash indoors prior to garbage collection and ensure it is kept in a locked container if left outside.

Motion-activated lights can also deter coyotes, and pruning trees and shrubs in your yard can reduce coyote hiding spots, the press release said.

Prevent conflicts with pets

Coyotes may perceive smaller pets as potential prey, while larger dogs could be viewed as a threat or competitor, officials said.

“Coyotes have trapped pets in backyards, in open spaces, and right off the leash,” the release said.

To minimize risk, do not leave dogs outside after dark and keep cats indoors. Dogs should be kept on a leash in open areas such as trails and should never be allowed to chase or “play” with coyotes.

Other pets such as chickens, rabbits, and goats should be kept in a kennel, barn, or shed at night.

Encountering a coyote

If you spot a coyote in your yard, you’re trying to create an “unwelcome” environment, the press release says. This may include yelling, throwing rocks, banging pots and pans, or activating sprinklers.

If you encounter a coyote on a hike or in a park, pick up small pets and try to do the same: make loud noises, wave your arms or stamp your feet to startle them, and back away Slowly back off, officials advise.

“Do not run away or turn your back on a coyote that has approached you,” the press release reads.

If you come across an aggressive coyote, you can call the Salt Lake County Animal Services department at 801-840-4000.

According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, coyotes and other unprotected wildlife species can also be reported to municipal nuisance control businesses.