May 26, 2008 6:33 pm US/Eastern
Savage Coyote Attack Spooks Greenwich
Jack Russell Terrier Requires 68 Stitches After Being Double-Teamed; Predators Showing Up In Populated Areas
GREENWICH, Conn. (CBS) ―
Coyotes are on the prowl in the northern suburbs. And as a recent attack proves, the predators are increasing their range into neighborhoods once considered coyote-free.
The veterinarian said 8-year-old Samantha is very lucky to be alive. The Jack Russell terrier survived not one but two attacking coyotes. Her ordeal was marked by 68 stitches on her thigh, back and neck.
"Thankfully, none of the teeth marks or bites penetrated her vital organs," owner John Samuels said.
Samuels interrupted the attack one night two weeks ago, right in his Greenwich backyard.
Coyotes have been wandering heavily wooded, less-populated areas of Westchester County and Connecticut for years. CBS 2 HD has seen video of one caught on video near Fairfield last fall.
But the Samuels live on Old Church Road, just outside downtown Greenwich.
"Wildlife is moving closer to downtown. It's frightening," Diane Samuels said. "We're very used to the deer. We have a lot of birds that walk in the yard, but we never expected a coyote."
Animal Control told the Samuels that development has the coyote population shifting and the predators are increasingly going after animal companions in parts of town previously considered coyote-free.
"The reason we wanted people to know about this is so they would watch their animals at dusk, dawn, and at night," John Samuels said.
In the aftermath of this attack, the Samuels are following advice from Greenwich Animal Control, to try and "coyote proof" their property.
They've installed motion sensor lights, will put up a fence and they don't allow their dogs outside without supervision.
Meanwhile, they marvel at their resilient Jack Russell terrier.
"Sam has a great deal of spirit," Diane Samuels said.
She's one lucky dog; one tough terrier.
Samantha required more than $4,000 in veterinary care to recover from the attack.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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