Coyotes will do a high pitched yappy scream then howl and our dogs go nuts when they are doing this. We have lots of them here and they eat our dogs, cats and most of the little varmits we do not have many rabbits...I would leave it be. You can shine a spot light with a red lens and see their eyes shining. If use a white light you can see them and they will look away. We go looking for them with spot lights to try and shoot them. You need to get you a brite spot light so you can shine out there fromyour house...they do this when they are out hunting....

Could it be a hurt dog? We hear wild coyotes all the time outside howling in the woods, could be coyotes.... ~scary isn't it?~

Johanna, if the noise continues today, my advice would be to definitely check it out - as it probably is a dog, or is caught. BUT, I am much more inclined to think that it was coyotes. The noises they can make are quite unearthly, and rather scary if you aren't used to them The coyotes have just (in the past 1-2 years) started moving into my area - at first I would rarely hear some in the distance. But a few weeks ago, I had almost the same experience as you, sounding like an animal (group of animals, more like) in extreme distress right next door. My immediate reaction was to go check it out, but I am a coward, so didn't. Besides, it woke me up... When 'it' moved further away, it became more familiar, and was clearly coyotes. But I agree that it's hard to just sit when there's an unfamiliar noise and it sounds like something is hurting.

A coyote's scream sounds like torture but it is just the way they talk to each other. I think that is what you are hearing. You really don't want them around your dogs!

Thanks for all of your help. The animal eventually got quiet and my dogs settled down. It was so eerie, and the barking was much "doggier" than coyotes I've heard around here before. I guess that was what spooked me -- I was afraid it was a dog caught in something. But I think, reading what you've all said, that it was most likely a coyote.

I hope they'll spend tonight somewhere else!

--Johanna

I put my money on a coyote too. I don't let my dog out at night because of them, but I was talking with one of the fish and wildlife guys that works in my county. I was asking him about laws regarding shooting coyotes since I had seen one a couple of times within as many weeks within about 40 feet of the house. Now, that made me uneasy. He said it is open season year round if they are bothering you. Well, heck yeah I am bothered. No one vaccinates them for rabies. I told him I am worried about it killing my dog. He asserted that it would not both my dog because he said they prefer easier targets. He said they don't much like big risks. I guess it is a different story if you have a pack of them around. I know it is with wolves.

Guess it will depend on your dog's size and how hungry the coyotes are. A few years back with a bad winter, there were a number of dogs killed. A female would lure a male out into the fields, then the pack of coyote males would jump him and kill it. Dogs to eat were much easier than the local whitetails. So many folks don't pay attention to their dogs out in the country, leave them out loose for an hour or longer, so didn't miss them for a while.

There were a number of dogs killed, before the word got around the area. They got all sizes, larger Goldens, Labs, hunting hounds, with smaller ones as well.

Small dogs, beagle size or smaller, are pretty easy game. Newspaper had reports of a very small dog being grabbed out of his fenced yard by a coyote, carried off. Owner called in after viewing it!! They lost another nearby, the same way. Then it wasn't news or coyote quit doing it, didn't hear anymore.

Coyotes moving north, coming our way. Just not close yet, though not real far away. You want to make sure your Rabies are all up to date, if Coyotes may be arguing with your dogs or cats.

We have coyotes here too. The other night my son and I went out to put all the hens and ducks in,and about 30 feet away,in our back field we heard horrible yipping and barking noises..there were at least 3 of them! It really scares you when you know you have animals you want to keep safe. I didn't realize they attack dogs too,I have 1 dalmation and 1 chihuaua/pomeranian. I will keep my eyes on them now when they go out for their evening "pee". Neighbors said many have been spotted in our area..are cats safe???Do they move on,or stay in the same area?

Cats are definitely easy Coyote food. I worry about that lots around here. I am just hoping the 'kitty litter' will be old enough and wise enough to get away when they come around again. Coyotes will go after the easiest prey they can get. That is usually rabbits and other small rodents. Cats are also food and yes, I know it keeps the feral cat population down, but we have 'former feral' babies here and I just hope they can be smart enough to get away.

Coyotes are creatures of opportunity - if there is food and shelter, they will stay in an area, if not, they move on. I think they are here to stay in most of the places they have moved into - they will eat anything they can set teeth into, and don't make permanent houses/dens - just temporary ones while the pups are small. If people are zealous about shooting them, I think they would just be more secretive, although they MIGHT move on - after all, they survived in the West with everyone shooting them on sight, and were sufficiently healthy in their populations to expand their range to the east! It may have taken 25 years or more, but they are all over the country now.

Here's a link that might prove helpful.

Coyote sounds, etc.

Here is a link that might be useful: Coyote Sounds & Interesting Info

Well, thanks for the link to the coyote calls. That's definitely what I heard. Haven't heard it again the past couple of nights (thank goodness!), but the dogs definitely smell something out there, especially in the mornings. I've been keeping the chickens inside except for about an hour in the late afternoon when I am around and can monitor their safety until they go in to roost.

This has been most educational!

--Johanna
Busy Solitude Farm
Galien MI