Family Loses Beloved Dog In Attack By Some Kind Of Wild Animal
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (CBS4) - A family's is warning the community to watch their pets closely after they believe a wild animal attacked and killed their dog over the weekend.
The incident happened in a Castle Rock subdivision at a home near Starry Night Loop.
Jill McElheny says she knows wildlife are common in Colorado, especially near ridge lines and trails where they live, but it's a loss that has been devastating to her family.
McElheny showed CBS4's Jennifer Brice the area where she found her beloved Boston terrier in the backyard a day after they believe Oscar was attacked and killed possibly by a mountain lion. Oscar was deaf and 13 years old. They say he only went outside for using the bathroom.
"It wasn't until late at night we did see blood down into the ravine down by our house," McElheny said.
The family believes the attack happened over the weekend when the family heard their other dog, Percy, barking after letting him and Oscar outside. Oscar wasn't seen again until they found him near the backyard ravine. The concerned mother wants neighbors, especially people with young children, to be vigilant.
The family and friends who searched for Oscar found several different tracks in the snow but weren't familiar with the pattern. Friends tell them the tracks are likely that of a bobcat or a mountain lion, rather than a coyote or some other wild animal.
"They (coyotes) tend to be in packs and looking for food, so what we've been told is the coyotes make a bigger mess," said McElheny.
The Division of Parks and Wildlife recommends, especially families living near open spaces, to install motion lights in their yards. They say it's a good idea to make noises when letting pets outside. They also those living near brush areas should clear dense areas so wildlife can't hide near their yards.
Jennifer Brice is a reporter with CBS4 focusing on crime and courts. Follow her on Facebook or on Twitter @CBS4Jenn.
