Mountain Hazards And Domestic Pets:

Keeping our domestic pets safe when you live remotely in the mountains is an ongoing task. As the photo depicts above small dogs and cats are subject to raptors and a host of other things. We had some friends who took their small dog out to go potty and an eagle swooped down and carried it off. Our friend was standing right there and saw their dog taken away crying out. Eagles will soar to a suitable height and drop the animal and let the fall kill it. 

There are not only raptors that are a threat to pets but we also have coyotes who will kill a pet. One time I was walking our dogs and a coyote came out taunting our medium size Gypsy. She lunged and broke her collar and took off after the coyote. Our German Shepherd Ben stayed next to me as we ran after her to get her back. 

The coyote led Gypsy into an ambush and as quickly as she ran off she came tearing back to us. One coyote was running along side of her and the other was about a foot behind her to grab her leg and bring her down about 20 feet in front of us. Ben took over and he had a growl that sounded like it came from the pits of hell and he challenged both coyotes. They did a 180 and fled. We know of other dogs that coyotes have actually killed. 

People move out here and let their dogs run free. They falsely believe that their dog can handle its own with coyotes. I know better and have seen the evidence. Maybe two dogs can fend off coyotes but a dog alone can not. Coyotes are of the dog family and are very smart and excellent hunters.  

In addition to raptors and coyotes we have bears, mountain lions, lynx, bobcat and deer. I have witnessed what a female deer can do to a coyote and a dog would be no different. When they rear back or pounce those hooves will cripple or kill a dog or coyote. 

It amazes me that people let their dogs run loose and think the dog can take care of itself. I have seen it numerous times and sooner or later the dog will fall victim to wildlife if allowed to wander. 

Perhaps the most dangerous predator is the human who looks for a chance to steal your pet. Several years ago someone stole three dogs in a nearby city to use to chase deer and elk that they were hunting and when they were done they left the dogs to fend for themselves. Fortunately the dogs found  their way to a friend's house and they helped get them back to their home. People need to be keenly aware of the potential hazards to their pets and take precautions to safeguard them if they really love them.