Uptick in coyote sightings signals growing threat to pets in Lakeview

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Lakeview residents say there has been an uptick in coyote sightings, raising concerns about pet safety.

Val Cupit, the head of the neighborhood's crime watch, says an influx of calls has been linked to coyotes attacking animals.

"It happens every night. People all of a sudden are missing their cat," she said.

Cupit says her cat, Petite, was killed by two coyotes last month. The incident reportedly was caught on surveillance video while she was away.

"It was very traumatic, and I won't show my significant other the video," she said.

Cupit has since spotted more coyotes on her street and is now fearful for her other pets.

"I'm scared to let the Boston terriers out at 2 or 3 in the morning, for fear they will get attacked," she said.

Coyotes reportedly have been entering the neighborhood from City Park, where many dens are believed to be located.

City Park officials say they are working with the state's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to address the problem by trapping coyotes and reducing the area's appeal for the animals. Despite these efforts, residents remain on edge.

"I feel like there are a lot of cats in New Orleans, so they will have a lot to eat, which makes me really nervous," said Lakeview resident Justice Singleton.

Pet owners at City Bark - City Park's dog park - also are on alert. Liliana Padilla says she's changed her routine, keeping pets indoors after dark as a precaution.

Cupit worries that if more action is not taken, the coyote problem will get worse.

"They are going to run out of the cats like they ran out of the ducks at City Park, and they will start attacking people," she said.

Wildlife officials advise that if you encounter a coyote, stay calm, make noise and appear as large as possible.