HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WIAT) — Some Homewood residents are concerned for their pets' safety following reports of coyote attacks in recent weeks.
"I heard about people losing chickens, people losing cats and just bones winding up in the yard," Homewood resident Carol Wiget said.
Wiget lives along EdgeKnoll Lane, an area where one resident says a coyote attack left a cat with severe injuries over two weeks ago. There have also been reported sightings on Stuart Street.
Though she did not witness the attack, Wiget says it's extremely worrying as a mother of four.
"Thankfully, they usually don't come out during the day when our kids are up and out and playing," she said. "But anything that's unsafe in the neighborhood is a concern. We want to be vigilant."
Veterinarian Dr. Tammy Stumpff says any wild animal attacks on pets are unfortunate cases but also aren't out of the norm.
"Some animals that are in their backyard have injuries that we're pretty sure are a bite, we're just not sure who did them, so we always have to treat them like a wild animal has been involved," Dr. Stumpff said.
According to Dr. Stumpff, some ways to protect your pets during this time include removing trash from your yard and keeping your yard well-lit.
"The most important thing -- especially in the mornings and at nighttime -- is that your dogs are always on leash, especially your smaller dogs. There are even specialized vests that you can put them that are called coyote vests," Dr. Stumpff said. "Also, I would recommend making sure they're well-trained and that they'll come to you if there's any danger in the area."