(KTLA-TV)
LONG BEACH -- Several cats have suddenly gone missing in one north Long Beach neighborhood and it's feared coyotes may be to blame.
Lisa Kamieniecki says she watched a coyote kill her 14-year-old cat named "Bear" around 4 a.m. Saturday morning.
The coyote dropped the cat's body when her husband scared it off, Kamieniecki said.
She says two coyotes returned minutes later.
Kamieniecki called Animal Control, who told her that coyotes commonly feed at that time. But, if the animals make a daytime appearance or don't seem to fear humans or cars, that's something Animal Control would investigate, according to John Keisler, Manager of Animal Care Services in Long Beach.
Kamieniecki says she's surprised to see coyotes in such a populated area. She also feels that her cat was not the first family pet to be attacked.
She says she's noticed a number of "Missing Cat" signs in the neighborhood, and thinks the coyotes may be responsible for the disappearances.
She now fears that small children may fall prey to the hungry coyotes.
Keisler says this is the start of the wildlife season. He advises residents to bring small dogs and cats inside for the night and only walk them during the daytime. He also suggests removing sources of food, water and shelter to avoid attracting coyotes.
Lisa Kamieniecki says she watched a coyote kill her 14-year-old cat named "Bear" around 4 a.m. Saturday morning.
The coyote dropped the cat's body when her husband scared it off, Kamieniecki said.
She says two coyotes returned minutes later.
Kamieniecki called Animal Control, who told her that coyotes commonly feed at that time. But, if the animals make a daytime appearance or don't seem to fear humans or cars, that's something Animal Control would investigate, according to John Keisler, Manager of Animal Care Services in Long Beach.
Kamieniecki says she's surprised to see coyotes in such a populated area. She also feels that her cat was not the first family pet to be attacked.
She says she's noticed a number of "Missing Cat" signs in the neighborhood, and thinks the coyotes may be responsible for the disappearances.
She now fears that small children may fall prey to the hungry coyotes.
Keisler says this is the start of the wildlife season. He advises residents to bring small dogs and cats inside for the night and only walk them during the daytime. He also suggests removing sources of food, water and shelter to avoid attracting coyotes.
