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Coyotes Attack Woman, Steal Dog In Laguna Woods

LAGUNA WOODS (CBS) — A Laguna Woods woman was attacked Tuesday by two coyotes, who carried her little Yorkie away with them.

 

The woman fell down at Via Alhambra at Alta Via about 10 a.m., as one of the two coyotes ran off with her dog, Laguna police Lt. Jason Kravetz said. Laguna police handle most animal-related duties in the retirement enclave.

"They're pretty brazen, running around the neighborhood," Kravetz said.

The woman was treated by Orange County Fire Authority paramedics for minor injuries.

Laguna Beach police have set traps in the area over the past few months in response to residents reporting cats and dogs being taken by the wild canines, Kravetz said.

A coyote bit a woman in the spring, he said.

The coyotes may be coming into residential areas to forage for food, Kravetz said. The normally nocturnal hunters have been increasingly spotted during daylight hours and show little fear of humans, he said.

People were urged to walk with a partner, especially around dawn and dusk, and keep pets on leashes. Smaller pets should be kept inside overnight, he said.

Trash can lids should be secured, and food and water sources removed from outside the home, Kravetz said.

"Never leave food out for wild animals," Kravetz said.

If confronted, people should stand tall, shout and wave something over their heads if possible.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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