The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cobb woman’s dog attacked by coyote while on a walk
Trish Gallup was walking her three dogs recently in Smyrna when one of them, Radar, just started running.
She told Channel 2 Action News that a pair of coyotes took three bites out of Radar, leaving Boomer and Tracker unharmed. Pictures showed the missing tufts of hair on Radar, an 85-pound Labrador.
A picture of a coyote on the path at the River Line Soccer Park on Oakdale Road was posted on Nextdoor, reports Channel 2, and many peo- ple responded saying they have also seen them around.
Wildlife experts told Chan- nel 2 Action News that an attack on a large dog like Radar is unusual.
What isn’t unusual is coyotes in “transition areas” — think treelines or areas where cut grass fades into other types of vegetation.
Dr. Tina Johannsen with Georgia’s Department of Nat- ural Resources told Channel 2 that they have received 650 calls into their regional offices about coyotes this year, which is a standard amount.
“They’re just going from point A to point B looking for something to eat,” Johannsen said.
Aren’t we all. Johannsen recommended keeping cats and small dogs fenced in or on a leash.
She also wanted to remind folks that it’s legal and encouraged to kill the creatures.
For a second year, the “Georgia Coyote Challenge” is in effect. Those who kill the most between March and August could get a life- time hunting license.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported that a spokesman said 83 hunters turned in a total of 195 coyotes during the 2017 challenge period.
Animal advocates groups criticized the “challenge” by saying it doesn’t work and is inhumane.