



WAUWATOSA -- Wauwatosa police are investigating a coyote attack on a dog that happened along the Underwood Parkway on Thursday morning, September 10th. It's causing police to beef up patrols and neighbors be on high alert.



Officials tell FOX6 News that around 6:40 a.m., a woman was walking her Dachshund along the parkway. The dog was not on a leash but was within close proximity of the woman.



At some point, a coyote came out of the woods, grabbed the Dachshund and started running with it. Officials say the woman somehow managed to get the dog away from the coyote -- running towards the coyote, which then dropped the dog. The woman picked up her dog and ran with it towards her home. The dog had severe puncture wounds -- and the coyote followed them home.



Police say on her way home, the woman started to cause a commotion -- which brought neighbors out of their houses. Someone called police -- because the coyote was still there.



At some point, two more coyotes emerged from the woods -- but all of coyotes eventually went back into the brush.



"I'm very concerned. First of all, coyotes should be more afraid of people," a neighbor said.



"I can't say I'm not surprised. I've seen coyotes before in the neighborhood. If they attack a dog, they're going to attack another dog," Matt Griffin said.





Woods in Wauwatosa





In fact, Griffin says he saw a large one recently and snapped a picture of it.



Wauwatosa police are now working with the state DNR on how to proceed.



"It's not something that we have to be too worried about," said Dianne Robinson.



Robinson, a biologist with the Wisconsin DNR, says there's a large population of coyotes in Milwaukee County.



"But it's highly unusual that we see an aggressive situation where we see a coyote that attacks a dog," said Robinson.



Robinson says it's possible the coyote thought the dog was a rabbit. She says coyotes travel in packs, but hunt alone.





Dianne Robinson





"We do have extra patrols in the area," said Wauwatosa Police Department Lieutenant Brian Zalewski.



Robinson says Wauwatosa police are handling what comes next. The DNR could assist with setting traps if needed.



Police would like the pack of coyotes removed from the area somehow, but stress no other sightings have been reported since Thursday morning. Police do not believe the public is in danger.



"I think people should be aware. Coyotes are not generally a threat to humans," said Robinson.



The DNR advises dog owners to always have your dog on a leash.



Sadly, the Dachshund involved in this coyote attack had to be euthanized.



