Coyote attacks on pets rock Spokane retirement community

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Residents of a West Central retirement community are on high alert after coyotes killed two dogs on the property.

Sans Souci West is a mobile home park for retired people ages 55 and older along the Spokane River.

According to residents, two dogs were attacked and killed by coyotes sometime within the last two years.

Residents said there has been an increase of coyotes this summer and that they are aggressive.

Nola Watson's dog, Flynn, was attacked by coyotes in their backyard in April.

He survived, but was seriously injured from over 100 coyote bites on his head and shoulders.

"I saw the coyotes when I went out the door. I saw two, and maybe a third one at the edge of the fence," said Watson. "They were right there, and I found my dog and he was pretty beat up. He was in shock."

Tina Hammond, president of the Sans Souci residents council, said neighbors are seeing coyotes all over the community and are very nervous.

"I've seen them. I actually had two in my backyard, maybe three or four weeks ago, and they were running back and forth chasing something over there," said Hammond.

Nola Watson believes the coyotes are after marmots who are attracted to the community because residents feed them.

"I think the biggest thing for me is that people think it's okay to feed the wildlife. It's not, because they overpopulate," said Watson.

An official with Sans Souci West said they are aware of the problem and have hired exterminators to get rid of some of the marmots in hopes it will deter coyotes.

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