Coyote Kills Hazelwood Pet, Prompts Hazelwood Police Department Response

In response to the incident of a coyote attacking a small dog at a home in the 1300 block of Eagles Way Court, the Hazelwood Police Department (HPD) is working closely with the Missouri Department of Conservation to locate the wild animal.

The HPD is distributing educational literature about coyotes to residents in the area where the incident occurred. These brochures contain tips like reminding people not to leave their dogs or other pets outside at night unattended. 

Too Late for Little Bit

Hazelwood resident Kim Bennett and her family is missing 'Little Bit,`a Schnauzer-Poodle mix, that was found Sunday around 9 a.m. with fatal puncture wound to her chest.    

Bennett said she has never seen a coyote, but her husband had, near the wooded area at the edge of their yard a few months ago.

"I`ve heard them though, they`ve howled a couple of times," Bennett told KPLR of the coyotes living in the wooded area behind her home.

Bennett said they let her out then found her dead 10 minutes later in the woods behind the home. Around the same time, she said her husband saw a coyote fleeing from the area.

"I`d like them to be trapped and taken somewhere else; maybe a zoo or something," Bennett said. "I`d rather them not be killed."

Agencies Taking Action

The Missouri Department of Conservation reports coyote sightings at this time of year are common, but attacks on domestic animals are rare. Also, Conservation experts confirm that attacks on children or adults are almost nonexistent. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation is currently investigating the incident. It has sole jurisdiction over wild animal relocation. 

In addition, copies of the educational literature about coyotes will soon be made available for residents to pick-up at Hazelwood City Hall, 415 Elm Grove Lane.

Spot a Coyote?

Any residents who see coyotes roaming around their property or neighborhood should contact Missouri Conservation agent Tom Miester at 314-223-9838.