Haverhill family grieving after coyote snatches dog right in front of them

A Haverhill family is devastated after losing their dog right before their eyes, when their three-pound Maltese was snatched by a coyote.

The family was heartbroken to lose their beloved dog Diesel, snatched feet from their front door Tuesday night.

"We're all devastated," Elizabeth Infante said. "It happened at night, and we couldn't go to bed that night. We never heard it coming, and then to turn around and see it right there was so scary for us."

Diesel, and the family's other Maltese, Diamond, followed Infante outside Tuesday night as she was grabbing something in her car.

She didn't realize a coyote had emerged from the nearby woods and, within moments, took Diesel.

"We heard the yelp, and we turned around, we saw the coyote had him and ran off so fast," Infante said.

Infante's 8-year-old daughter, Alani Cora, knows at just three pounds, Diesel couldn't have made it.

"He was like a brother to me," she said. "Losing him was a real tragedy."

Diesel and Diamond were a gift to Infante to fill a void after her mother died.

The dogs were so special to the family that they ended up as a part of her wedding.

"When my parents got married, it's like they got married, too," Cora said. "Diesel was in a tuxedo, and she had her own little dress. We thought it would be cool, like they would get married, too."

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Since Tuesday, there have been lots of tears and little sleep.

"It's kind of lonely without him here at the house, because he's usually always there," Cora said. "He always greets us in the morning."

While the family mourns, they say Diamond is moping, too.

"She hasn't been eating much, and she's been usually sad," Cora said. "She can't sleep alone."

This time of year is coyote mating season, and anyone may see or hear them more in neighborhoods.

That's why police are urging pet owners, especially right now, to be on alert.

MassWildlife tips for residents:
Coyotes can thrive close to humans in suburban and urban areas. They require only a source of food, water, and cover. If you want to make your property less attractive to coyotes and avoid having any problems with these predators, follow these basic practices.

DON'T FEED OR TRY TO PET COYOTES:

Keep wild things wild! Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause coyotes to act tame and may lead to bold behavior. Coyotes that rely on natural foods remain wild and wary of humans.

SECURE YOUR GARBAGE

Coyotes raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep them in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash when the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost in secure, vented containers, and keep
barbecue grills clean to reduce attractive odors.

KEEP BIRD FEEDER AREAS CLEAN

Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts many small mammals coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard.

CLOSE OFF CRAWL SPACES

Coyotes will use areas under porches and sheds for resting and raising young. Close these areas off to prevent animals from using them.

DON’T LET COYOTES INTIMIDATE YOU

Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten coyotes with loud noises, bright lights, or water sprayed from a hose.

CUT BACK BRUSHY EDGES:

These areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey.

PROTECT LIVESTOCK AND PRODUCE:

Coyotes will prey on livestock. Various techniques, such as fencing, will protect livestock from predation. Clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees.

PET OWNERS:

Although free roaming pets are more likely to be killed by automobiles than by wild animals, coyotes
do view cats and small dogs as potential food, and larger dogs as competition. For the safety of your pets, keep them leashed at all times. Additionally, feed your pets indoors. Outdoor feeding can attract many wild animals.

Eastern coyotes are an important and valuable natural resource in Massachusetts. They are classified as a furbearer species, for which a regulated hunting season and management program have been established.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH COYOTES OR HAVE QUESTIONS, VISIT
MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE OR CONTACT YOUR NEAREST MASSWILDLIFE OFFICE:

• Central Wildlife District, West Boylston: (508) 835-3607
• Connecticut Valley Wildlife District, Belchertown: (413) 323-7632
• Northeast Wildlife District, Ayer: (978) 772-2145
• Southeast Wildlife District, Bourne: (508) 759-3406
• Western Wildlife District, Dalton: (413) 684-1646
• Field Headquarters, Westborough: (508) 389-6300

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