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Coyote Jumps Back Fence In Anaheim, Mauls Dog To Death

ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — A coyote jumped a back fence in Anaheim and mauled a dog to death.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Honeybear didn't stand a chance against the coyote, an expert says, had been watching her for days as evidenced by the paw prints up and down the six-foot wall around the yard.

"She was my best friend," said Nicole Wooley, the dog owner. "You know, she followed me everywhere. She brought me a lot of joy."

Wooley lives in the middle of the city near the 5 and 91 freeways across from a golf course, a drainage ditch, and a preschool.

The remains of Honeybear were found early Thursday morning in the bushes nearby.

Though the playground at the preschool is about 50 yards from where Honeybear was found, there is a six-foot fence around the area.

In April, a father picking up his child here around 4 p.m. said that a coyote ran right past him.

"It's scary having a Montessori school right next door with kids playing," Joanie Walker, the victim's mother, said. "It's not right."

Wooley, who lives with her sister and two other dogs, wanted to put a coyote barrier around her wall after warnings went out in the neighborhood.

But, she says, the homeowner's association wouldn't allow it.

Lt. Brian Frick with Orange County Animal Control says humans who come face-to-face with a wild animal need to do the following:

"You want to become the aggressor. You want to turn, face the animal. You want to become loud. You want to be big, yelling at him. If it's necessary, if he's not backing off, you can use your foot to kick."

If a child is nearby, pick him or her up and do not run, experts say.

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