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Police warning Johnson County pet owners after more than a dozen coyote sightings

Police have a warning for pet owners in Johnson County after more than a dozen coyote sightings and at least one attack on a pet in just a few weeks.
GREENWOOD, Ind. (WTHR) - Police have a warning for pet owners in Johnson County after more than a dozen coyote sightings and at least one attack on a pet in just a few weeks.

They're also reminding neighbors of an interactive mapping system that can help track coyotes and prevent tragedy.

Pictures taken by Shane Tolbert show a dangerous predator right at home in a residential neighborhood.

He used a trail camera to capture images of coyotes in his backyard, right near his childrens' swing set.

"My son and I were out, noticed some tracks," Tolbert said. "So we set up that trail camera to explore and see what was coming through there and they're coming through on a regular basis. We've seen them every night or every morning."

This is the season for coyotes to get out and search for food.

Lately, the animals have been on the prowl a lot in Johnson County and some are targeting pets.

"Your domestic pets, your cats and your dogs, make easy prey for a wild coyote," said Greenwood Assistant Police Chief Matthew Fillenwarth. "Even a medium-sized dog doesn't have a chance if there's two or three coyotes."

He says even a big fence won't protect them.

That's why police recommend families never leave food outside for squirrels, birds or pets and never let their pet go out alone.

"We've had reports where someone let their small dog out in their backyard at two in the morning and literally within two minutes the dog was gone. The coyotes came over their six foot privacy fence, snatched their small dog and was back over the fence in two minutes," Fillenwarth said.

An adorable cat became a victim this month in White River Township.

"Tiger", a rescue beloved by his family, was attacked and killed in their backyard in the Hunter's Pointe subdivision.

They posted an alert on the nextdoor app to warn neighbors.

Then they called police to warn the entire community.

Greenwood has a unique online mapping system that tracks coyote sightings and attacks with an interactive map.

There have been 14 reports logged so far this year, most in White River Township.

"We use the mapping system because it's easier to see visually versus just addresses," explained GPD Criminal Analyst Misty Ituarte. "Some people won't know the location if it's just a list of addresses."

"It's nice to see where the concentration is and again, if you've got pets, it's helpful to know when they're active and when they're coming through," Tolbert said, "especially if there's more sightings."

Click here for Coyote tips/information/report a sighting or attack.

Click here for a map of coyote sightings.

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