Trapper Says Coyotes Are Attacking Pets In Decatur

DECATUR, GA -- A local trapper is attempting to catch coyotes that he said have been killing pets throughout metro Atlanta, including Decatur. Tim Smith said he has caught eight of the animals near a Roswell subdivision, and after he catches the remaining two, he'll turn his attention to Decatur. Smith said the animals have gotten bolder in their interactions around people and residential areas.

Smith told Channel 2 he is using coyote urine around the traps to lure the animals.

Earlier this year, a Dacula resident posted a photo to social media of a large coyote at the entrance to the Charleston Park subdivision.

Once native to the West, coyotes these days can be found all over the United States. According to the Georgia DNR, coyotes can be found in every county in Georgia and have a unique ability to live in a variety of habitats. Trapping and hunting them is legal and there is no closed season on their harvest.

The department describes coyotes as a nuisance animal, saying that increased sightings in recent years have caused concerns from homeowners for their property and safety.

More Patch Coverage

Coyote Sighting Alarms Dacula Residents: Report
Georgia Urges Hunters To Kill Coyotes

While they tend to avoid danger, the DNR says, "problems sometimes do occur as these predators become increasingly tolerant of human interactions." Small house pets, especially cats, young or small livestock and poultry are vulnerable to attack by coyotes.

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Last year, the state of Georgia sponsored a controversial contest encouraging hunters to kill as many of the animals as possible, called the Georgia Coyote Challenge.

Read Channel 2's report here.

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