Possible Coyote Attack In West Nyack

A two-year old Chihuahua in West Nyack may have been the victim of a coyote attack late Sunday night. The incident occurred in the area of Teton Circle when the owner let the Chihuahua and a second dog, a Pug, out for their last walk around midnight.

The Chihuahua, which was unleashed and unsupervised, returned home with severe internal injuries. The Pug had stayed close to their owner while outside. Clarkstown Animal Control Officer Pat Coleman said the injuries were believed to be the result of a coyote attack. 

“The dog is home,” said Coleman, who learned of the attack on Thursday. “It’s really a miracle. The vet thinks it was a coyote because of the severity of the injuries.”

She warned Clarkstown residents to be aware of coyotes and protect their pet.

• Walk dogs on leashes no longer than six-feet especially when it is dark out. 
• Do not leave pets unattended outside.
• Do not use expandable leashes or an invisible fence after dark.

Coleman said coyotes usually keep their distance from people.

“They’re animals of opportunity,” she said.

Coleman said numerous coyote sightings have been reported since September in Clarkstown. A coyote seen in New City with an injured leg in the fall has been nicknamed “Tripod” and was spotted as recently as today.  Coleman said a report came in of two coyotes in Valley Cottage near Lake Road just before the last snowstorm.