Sorry to hear about this, but until it is daylight, today sunrise was at 6:45 am, this Estero resident will not walk his dogs. Street lighting is no substitute for sunlight.

I here the coyotes help keep a lid on feral cats. Is that true?

The circle of life.

Among other things, Vol. I work in a North Naples development that also has a coyote or mixed breed type. We have a major abundance of wild hares/rabbits, plus possum ,coons and dove. All a very nice cozy food source for a coyote,fox, bobcat or even the renegade panther to go along with the sanctuary habitat.

I also have seen some very large wild dogs in Collier County. Numerous times on the new extension of logan blvd, that runs to Immokalee rd. Usually early in the mornings between 1 AM to 5 AM or so. This is a nice stretch of road for early morning biking. (bicycling not motorcycling) Although after seeing these wild dogs, I always carry a 357 or 45 ACP.

I also have seen some large animals in East Naples. I usually bike down 41 early in the morning to the labor pool office across from the courthouse. I have seen several wild possums in the wooded area next to the Publix. After seeing these beasts, I always carry a 12 gauge sawed off shotgun and my trusty nun chucks.

Gee, it is true there is wildlife in the area. Call the hunters to kill it, because they didn't have these critters where they lived before.

Try explaining that to the pug owner. "Ummmm, yea, a coyote ate your baby".

SandnSurf illustrates an important point. People's pets are usually loved and considered as "family." I am sure this woman feels terrible about the loss of the Pug and might wonder if she made a poor choice by walking the dogs at that hour. Caring for animals does require responsible decision making. This is why whenever I have to leave town I hire a the services of a professional, Clifford Franklin "C.J." Massie Jr. My Rottweilers have never been injured by another animal while in "C.J."'s expert care.

We continute to take land, bulldoze it, put up houses. What do you expect. Life will find a way. Who came first? Us or the animals?

This is a serious issue and although the lady made a bad decision on taking the dogs out that early in the morning, this is something that cannot be overlooked. Think if a young child had been out walking with this lady. I know this is part of the what if scenario but things might have went worse. I live in the Golden Gate Estates and we have had problems with bears, panthers, and coyotes. I believe the FWC is taking things to lightly. My fiance was pinned in the back of my truck by a bear and if it wasn't for my 2 year old pit running the bear off things could have gotten a lot worse and when we called about this incident they said there was nothing that could be done. I think there are many things that could be done but simply they don't want to waste their time (that our tax dollars pay for) to handle these issues.

With loss of habitat and the loss of natural things for wildlife to eat unfortunately this is going to happen more often. With the slow demise of the Florida Panther the Coyote has no natural enemy to keep their population in check. Less habitat more encounters.

My wife has small dogs...actually I kinda like the dogs too. That being said, if a coyote thinks he is going to eat one of my dogs...he will meet his maker. It's time for the wild animals to wisen up and just move east of 75 so they can roam as they please in the sanctuaries.

I am writing on this comment page in total disgust at the insenstive and uneducated people that have posted to this site. It was my mom that was walking this dog. Jesus Christ, I can't tell you how frustrated i am to see these comments. After this God awful incident happened a lot of our neighbors commented on how they have seen these wild animals late at night, but did nothing. One neighbor mentioned that the radio had anounced a coyote had been spotted in Colonial Oaks, which is the community right next to ours.

6am is NOT too early to be walking a dog...we don't live in the sticks...a lot of people walk their dogs at that time! Including many of our neighbors that came to see what was going on when the police arrived! Since when was there time limitations!

Even though she was screaming, no one came out of their house to help her, but someone did call 911.
My parents estate have the most nosy neighborhood watch I have ever heard of too, you sneeze in the wrong direction and they call out the sheriff, but a woman screaming behind their house and they can't get out of bed....somewhere along the line communities went wrong! Guess I am just not used to Florida style communities!

For the idiot that wrote about flip flops slowing her down, grow a brain...we live in FL...99% of people wear flip flops, and besides that she ran barefoot most of the way and lost her shoes.

micirisi...we have looked after a lot of dogs over the past few years...our own included and this is the first incident that this happened...what more can you do...the dog was on a leash! This could happen to anyone, plus since it is Rottweilers you have, not a small dog...it would be a little hard to hurt, don't you think!!!!!!! DUH

Have a heart people...real people are involved!

watch for dem ki-yote

I have never had an expierence with a coyote or any similar type of animal. I did however once see what I now believe to have been a prepubescent bigfoot at the 4th Ave North beach end in the city. I was at the beach end at around 9:00pm on a week day night. As I approached the walkway a creature lept from the bushes and fled northbound on the beach. I estimated its height at approximately 4ft 6 inches and weight at approximately 125 lbs. It was covered with a thick coat of very coarse hair. It's head also had a very distinct primate type of shape and or contour. It startled me so much that by the time I regained my composure it was nearly out of sight and there was no possible way for me to take a photograph of the creature with my cell phone. I did not report the incident for fear of ridicule.

laladeda20 is correct. We have lots of wildlife. We have see a pair of coyotes in our area, we have seen a panther and bobcat. We regularly see raccoons, opossums, owls, hawks, eagles, turkey vultures, Big Cypress fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, black racers and a plethora of small birds including painted buntings, Carolina wrens, yellow rumps, catbirds and many more. During certain times of the year we see swallow tailed kites circling above the pines also.
Wouldn't trade this lifestyle for the world. Our dogs are always with us during the day and at night, they are leashed. I carry bear spray and one of the high intensity flashlights when taking them out after dark.

nongeriatric, she may well have lost the dog, but chances are she really saw a coyote. We will be seeing more. They are very intelligent and adaptable. Dr. Main is definitely an expert in this area, we are fortunate to have him around. Unfortunately, the gaps in coverages in what agency does what become apparent in cases like this. They operate under budgets, rules and statutes which do not allow for good interface.
But the "talk to the hand" attitude could be softened and at least listen to the folks who have a real concern...

I would suggest when someone encounters this kind of gap they call the elected officials and see if there is some kind of way to come up with letters of agreement between agencies. These letters do help somewhat although they often amount to unfunded mandates.

info...could you tell if it was a female or male? Speedo or bikini? Short spring breaker?

I also had what I consider to have been a rather strange encounter once before. This incident occurred on Wilson BLVD in the summer of 2001. I had been suffering from what could best be described as a high grade fever brought on by seasonal allergies. I had left my residence and driven to Publix in order to purchase OTC cold/allergy medicines. On my return trip home I decided to make an impromptu and brief stop roadside and order to consume a dose to two of the elixers when it happened. I was consuming the medicine when from behind a large bird-like creature knocked me to the ground. As I righted myself I observed the creature. It was over 6 feet tall and had a wingspan of nearly 9 feet. In an instant the creature grabbed me by my pants belt and flung skyward. I subsequently landed on the hood of my vehicle(a chevrolet malibu classic)and fell to the ground. As a result of the unprovoked attack I suffured numerous bruises and abrasions and hurt my right shoulder very badly. As quick as the attack had taken place the attacker vanished leaving no trace behind except for one very large black feather. The feather itself was approximately 3 feet in length. I saved the feather in my wifes hope chest for years debating whether or not if I should have sent the feather off to a laboratory for analysis. When I had finally made the decision to do so I discoverd that the feather was missing. To my surprise I discovered that my wife had thrown the feather away in her words becasuse "it had mites on it". To this day I wonder what might have been discovered by such an analysis. I did not report that incident either mostly because I had consumed approximately 8 ounces of crown royal prior to my trek to the store and I feared incarceration by the authorites in reference to driving while under the influence of intoxicating beverages.

I feel really bad for that little dog. But really, I don't think it should be of anyone's great concern except as a curiosity. To fear the night or carry around guns because of wildlife is paranoah. Fellow humans and their vehicles and dogs and craziness is nearly infinitely more dangerous to children and pets than any wild creature these days.

bluetonguedvole...no I was unable to do so. I was so startled that I almost fled the area myself. I had worked very long hours that day and was a little tired. I believe my listlessness hampered my reaction time causing me not to obtain a photograph.

looproad...sorry I lost my connection. I believe the strong wind currents coming off of the ocean kept me from noticing any odor coming from the creature.

kay2k19....sorry for any hurtfull comments made on this site by others. I to have lost beloved pets over the years and understand the pain involved. I have heard of other people who carry a small canister of mace/pepper spray with them when they walk their pets. Just a thought for the future. I have used pepper spray myself(for self protection) and it is very effective.

We have seen a coyote or two in our neighborhood also (off Livingston Road north of Pine Ridge). When I walk my dog in the early morning and late evenings I actually carry a 7-foot buggy whip in case of an encounter with something unpleasant - a coyote, loose dog or a weird guy. Buggy whips make a loud crack noise and sting whatever they hit pretty good, too. Just looks like a fishing rod that we are walking with. My dog is kinda scared of the whip, though!

Occasionally dogs do get taken by wildlife, most are too big and pose a threat, but owners of puppies and small breed dogs should always be cautious, responsible and use common sense. I've witnessed a bald eagle in the light of day swoop down and yank a yorkie, leash and all, out of the hands of the owner.
But I have no sympathy for cat owners who let their cats roam outside. You are putting your cat in harms way. Just about anything will eat your cat, even in Port Royal and Old Naples there are bobcats, fox, great horned owls, etc etc that are very common and there year-round. It's spring time now and most wildlife are raising a family. Keep your cats indoors, period. The only thing a cat can get into outdoors is Trouble.
While I obviously care for pets like cats and dogs, I vehemently oppose any actions to "take care of" the "problem" wildlife. We live in their backyard. If you don't like it, move out of Florida.

No, TinynPoor. But my WIFE trims our dogs in the summertime.

So the joke is really on you!

This is so completely a hoax, it's hard to fathom how the NDN and the wildlife officials would even entertain commenting on it. The only named source is the woman's vet, who didn't witness anything... and HE'S the one that called the state, not the victim? Highly dubious. Sounds like someone lost a dog and is trying to cover their tracks.

I always thought that gators were the best small animal control critters in Florida. But now the coyotes are giving them some competition.

naplesscribe, I live on Barefoot Beach. Bring your dog over and he can stay in my fenced yard for a couple days. You can come pick up the remains. As a teenager, I hunted Coyote at night for ranchers in Oklahoma. Helped pay my way through college. I used a injured rabbit call, which was difficult to learn, very eerie, quite effective. The Coyote is extremely intelligent, and their range has been expanding, regardless of any methods used to control them. Many times, middle of the night, sitting backed up to a patch of cactus to protect my back, I would see them stop out of gun range, and circle behind me to the down wind side. And then they would be gone. I switched to a .223 calibre for additional range, but I can tell you this. No dog I've ever owned has even come close in intelligence or ferocity, pound for pound.
I'm sorry the lady lost the dog, had to be traumatic; will happen more often in the future.

676, where are you from in oklahoma? e-mail at tryingtofindlove@gmail.com.

676: Not sure what Oklahoma or your strangely homoerotic fascination with small-arms calibers has to do with this story, but thanks for sharing. I actually don't have a dog, but if I did, it's pretty clear that on Barefoot Beach or anywhere else, the dog would be in greater danger from you than from any form of wildlife.

I can understand Animal Control not being able to help with non domesticated animals.

But the Fish and WILDLIFE Conservation Commitee?

I think its time to start firing some folks there real quick like.

maybe it was a BIG BAD WOLF?

Dusty- Believe it or not, humans are animals.

I agree, the story has some odor to it. Remember the article about some dumb rear dog sitter in Marco and all his lies and subsequent felonies? Those harnesses are much more difficult than a collar to quickly remove a dog and how did the woman know it was a coyote? Most women would not know a coyote from a Basset Hound. The part about walking the dogs before sunrise also raised my eyebrow, my dog will attack me if I suggest a walk at that ungodly hour. How much are used Pugs on the resale market? Probably $1-2K.

info they have a contest somewhere every year you ought to consider entering. I think you would win. I laughed so hard, my dogs barked at me.

Neal: Fish and Wildlife Commission runs by Florida Statute and the rules: Florida Administrative Code (aka FAC). These laws are made by the Florida Legislature. The agency really does not have authority over coyotes. They might could (love that regional phrase), but they would need to have the laws changed by our legislators and then have the Governor sign the bill.

676, guess the non believers will continue in their ignorance of wildlife. They think it all lives in the zoo or something and have no clue of the real dangers which can and are posed by coyotes or other animals. Guess they must fit in the category of the tourists I witnessed poking a resting alligator with a stick in Fakahatchee. They were right up on this large male gator and had a walking stick. They wanted it to move so they could take a picture. I got them away from the animal which was starting to wake up and be annoyed. I tried to explain the facts of real life to them and they gave me blank looks (they were English speaking adult males). This was the part of Fakahatchee which is off US 41 and one of the Seminole's who run the gift shop was coming toward us. I advised him about the situation and he said he would take care of them.

Carefull naplescribe: I carry, too. Only would use my weapon (like 676, I am sure) to stop an attacker or for target practice, but still you seem pretty naive about nature. I also carry bear spray which is quite effective.

Kittycat: thank you for being a sane cat lover. No pet cat should ever be sentenced to a shorter life by being allowed outdoors.

Sorry to hear about the dog.Remember,before the bulldozers turned this into a subdivision,this was the turf of wild critters.People need to be aware of their surroundings and realize that all of florida is not Disney.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

dog eat dog

bluetonguedvole.... thanks, it temporarily drained a sizable portion of my brain power. Nobody even commented on the bird story.

mothernature, Altus and Norman (college). BOOMER SOONERS!!!!!!

676,
Lawton and northeast
Go Cowboys.
e-mail me.

kay2k19 there are a lot of insenstive and stupid people, and it seems they live in Naples. I know your mother went through a horrible ordeal. Coyotes also have been known to attack adults and children, so your mother was very lucky that she didn't get hurt. It is very hard to control two little dogs when they sense danger and even holding an animal out of harms way is tricky as they squirm. A neighbor let her dogs out without leashes and I was walking my dog on a leash, I saw the dogs coming and picked up my little dog - one dog was jumping in front of me and the other behind me and they were both trying to grab at my dog and of course my little dog was frantic and squirming. Thank God the owner got her dogs under control, I was so afraid that I was going to drop my little dog! Later I discovered he had blood on his leg where one dog had actually bite him! So lighten up people and think before you make comments that are hurtful.

I agree blefebvre. All of you should be ashamed of yourselves. I know the person who this happened to and she is heart broken. She didn't lose the dog. You try telling that to it's owner. Most of us who have animals know that they are like family to us. I have 2 dogs and they wake up at 5:30 because that's when our house gets up. Most of us live in a gated community and have the right to be protected. I know that the animals were here first, but that does not mean a blasted thing. Animal control should do something. I don't know what, but something. Think how you would feel if this happened to your baby.

I forgot to mention this to micirisi: You should know that your 'professional' dog walker has been in jail for robbing the house he was watching. Why don't you call them and see if they would recommend him?

theteach84, amen to most of what you say. But to say that "the animals were here first..." is not correct. The Coyote is a late comer to Florida, and in my opinion, is the second most intelligent and opportunistic predator that exists. Humans (a misnomer) are the first. Both populations need to be controlled. Won't happen; get used to it.

theteach84: I urge you to discuss your fears and concerns with your County Commissioners as they control the budget and ordinances by which your animal control agency operates. Also consider banding together with others who are concerned and consulting with a professional trapper. At least get a quote or opinion on control measures.

I know the coyotes we have in our area are very shy of bright light in their eyes. I know because I have scared them off with my super bright flashlight. One of the posters had recommended Bear Spray to me. I took his advice and bought the large canister with a training canister with a holster. I do feel safe walking in a much more rural area with lots of wildlife knowing what bear spray can do to grizzlies...it stops them cold. So please tell your friend that the fools who think she made up a story have much to learn about the nature of wildlife. I am so glad the paper contacted the one real expert on coyotes in this area: Dr. Martin Main.

Hey, 676, I was just talking about Bear Spray. Great stuff!

While I am sorry for the loss of the Pug, it was nice to read so many different points of view.

Micirisi, your "employment" of Massie had me laughing.

Bottom line is we live in a jungle. The animals are better equipped for it than us. And.....Let's be careful out there.

I have some news for the writer:

Cape Coral is not an urban area.

BTV, when I head out West I'll have one with me at all times. No Grizzly where I live, but plenty of black bear and mountain lion, although the closest I've come to being injured was when a group of 5 huge male mule deer (one a 12 pointer) came running from the back of my property to the front, where I was working clearing some brush. It was the rut, and they were fighting as they ran, oblivious of me. I had to dive off the deer trail into the brush pile to keep from getting gored. My wife was sitting on the porch; thought it quite amusing.

yeah, you're right, BTV. I'm ignorant of nature. Why don't you school me. Make a list of every VERIFIED incident in Southwest Florida where a dog accompanied by a human was attacked during the day by a coyote. I think you'll come up with a whopping list of NEVER EVER. As in not once has it ever happened. Like at no time since Fish and Game have been keeping records has a dog been taken from its human handler during a daytime walk. Am I clear on that? It has never happened. Call F&G yourself. Ask them. It amuses me that you bumpkins think being skeptical of some stranger's cockamamie story makes one ignorant of nature. Believing every dumb thing you hear is quite a bit more ignorant, but I guess if you bought property here in the past five years you already know that.

Naplesscribe, I have traveled a lot, but have been in the area over 20 years. I know Dr. Main and have discussed the coyote situation with him. The woman's story is quite plausible. There is no "Fish and Game" it is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and has been for some time now...bet you still think there is a DNR and HRS, too. The Florida Fish and Wildlife officers who work in the field are spread quite thin. They do not always get reports of everything that happens, ESPECIALLY because this agency does not keep track of coyotes or incidents relating to encounters with this animal. NO AGENCY TRACKS COYOTE ACTIVITY in Florida...zippo, none. Dr. Main did a study on the emergence of this very smart non native animal into Florida for the University of Florida.

More about FWC: The folks who sit in the regional offices are not always clued in on what goes on "out there", either. I remember when the Lakeland office denied that there were any nutria in Hillsborough County. Nope, not one. Yet, SWFWMD, FDEP and the Army Corp all had documented sightings and witnessed incidences of these non native invasive animals destroying newly planted species required for wetland restoration.

Yep if you sir, are NOT a bumpkin, then I would gladly be one.

Regards,

BlueTonguedBumpkin

676, I have some relatives in western Montana. They swear by bear spray too. I had never thought about it for here until we had our conversation about it. They do see grizzlies occasionally going across their ranch. They are usually armed with more than spray too, but the large can with the holster works great for them. My sister-in-law (actually ex sister in law) only had to use it once, but like you, it was not for a bear but a ram who decided to go after her when she was way out in one of their fields. She saw him charging out of the corner of her eye. The spray stopped him cold. The next time she was out in this field, he kept his distance.

It is crazy that anyone would blame the woman for walking dogs at 6am. Some people leave for work at that time and would naturally walk their animals before they leave the house. As for coyote, I definitely saw three last June behind the McDonalds in East Naples at Davis and Collier. It was 1 a.m. I was stunned and contacted Collier County for confirmation. As a result, we do not let our 18-pound dog out by herself for fear that she would be grabbed. I have a friend in California whose poodle was grabbed off of her lap by a coyote, in her fenced backyard, with six other adults present. It is not far-fetched that the pug was taken. Far-fetched that people are so opinionated.

Could someone please tell the coyotes that old snowbirds are much tastier then dogs?

We have plenty of them too so they won't be missed.

Get used to it. This is Naples and people will always make comments. They have nothing better to do. I would like to recommend pepper spray. I find the idea of having old not properly trained people walking around with guns very scary

kay2k19

I am so sorry for your familys loss. Please give your MOM a hug. She did a great job of trying to save her dogs life. You know it could have been a human baby taken by this animal.. and nobody in the area got up to help this woman. How do they live with the shame.....

ricky369 writes: "I find the idea of having old not properly trained people walking around with guns very scary"

I find the idea of anyone who is not properly trained and licensed (if required) carrying guns, driving cars or operating any machine which has the potential to cause injury/death, etc (including farm equipment, ATV's and boats) of great concern, no matter what their age.