Wellesley on edge after recent coyote attacks

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- A Wellesley neighborhood is on edge after coyotes attacked people’s pets.

Wellesley animal control is warning residents to keep a close eye on their small pets after numerous recent coyote attacks -- two dogs and a deer were mauled by a coyote late last week.

"I feel pretty sad and emotional. I just hope it doesn't happen to my dogs, so I just got to keep an eye out for them," said Michael Driscoll, a dog owner.

According to the animal control officer, the coyote went after a deer on Friday near Great Plain Avenue. The two dogs were attacked on Cliff Road and Bristol Road. One dog survived, but the other died from the injuries.

"It is unnerving. I'm concerned with how I definitely have to have him on the leash all the time and I think it can be very overwhelming. I mean, for the safety of him and just to protect him," said Joanne Ecclesnine, a dog owner.

Animal control says its breeding season for coyotes so they are very active. They are not nocturnal, but do become most active at dawn and dusk. The coyotes are targeting small dogs under 20 pounds.

(Copyright (c) 2012 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)