Coyote attacks dog on Grosse Ile

GROSSE ILE, Mich. – Coyotes are so bold on Grosse Ile that two of them attacked Harvey Janiten's 17-year-old Cocker Spaniel "Luke" this week.

Janiten and Luke weren't out for a walk. They were right by the back door of their home.

"One coyote came in and grabbed him by the neck. It was larger than expected, and had no fear," said Janiten.

There have been non-stop reports of big, healthy and hungry coyotes all over Grosse Ile. How are they getting on the island?

"If you remember in 2014 and 2015, we had some pretty heavy winters and a solid ice shelf on both sides of the island," said Julie Cortis of Grosse Ile Animal Control. "It went all the way to Canada. We think they maybe traveled from Canada."

Cortis said 5 dogs and a cat have been killed by coyotes.

Luke needed surgery after the attack.

"He's feeling better every day," Janiten said.


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.