DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — State wildlife officials are urging central Iowa residents to be vigilant in safeguarding pets after a Des Moines couple reported their German shepherd mix dog was attacked by a coyote.
The couple reported the attacked happened Thursday night less than a mile from the Drake University campus after they let their dog, Sildi, out in the backyard around dusk, television station KCCI reported. Within minutes, they heard what sounded like a dog fight, rushed outside and found Sildi and the coyote fighting. The coyote ran away when the couple came outside. The dog was treated for bite wounds to its face and head.
Residents should stay vigilant and keep pets in the area on a leash, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said. The department also urged anyone who has had a pet attacked by a coyote to report it to animal control officials.