Dogs OK after coyote attack on Lake Wylie trail

A sign posted at Seven Oaks Trail reminds dog owners to keep their pets leashed following a reported coyote attack.

Alesia DiCosola, director of communications for Carolina Thread Trail and Catawba Lands Conservancy, said a hiker with two small dogs reported a coyote attack in early June. The dogs were not on their leashes, she said.

“A coyote picked up one of the dogs,” she said.

DiCosola said the owner was able to scare the coyote away.

“The dog has survived and everything is fine,” she said.

Signs are posted at the trail heads – 6900 South New Hope Road and at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden – stating: “Attention: There was recently a pet dog attacked by coyotes near the end of Seven Oaks Trail. Be diligent and please remember to keep your pets on leash. Be careful!”

DiCosola said it is safe trail procedure to keep dogs leashed “for the safety of other animals, people and their pets.”

Josh Allman, 21, of Belmont said Thursday evening coming off the trail with his German shepherd, Rex, he noticed the sign about a week ago. But he isn’t worried.

“Most coyotes around here are smaller than him,” he said.

Allman said he and Rex hit the trail frequently, and usually with a group of six to 10 friends.

“They (coyotes) are more scared of people,” he said.

Adult coyotes in North Carolina are about the size of a medium-sized dog and weigh between 20 and 45 pounds, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website. Coyotes are “dark gray but can range from blonde, red and even black. Size is also variable, but averages about 2 feet tall at the shoulder and 4 feet in length,” according to ncwildlife.org.

DiCosola said no other sightings or similar incidents have been reported at Seven Oaks or on other trails.

Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of greenways, trails and blueways of 220 miles in 15 counties and two states. Seven Oaks Trail is a moderate 2.8-mile natural surface trail along Lake Wylie’s shoreline on 78 acres.

Trail users who spot wildlife sightings, such as coyotes, are asked to call 703-342-3330. For more information about the trail, visit carolinathreadtrail.org/.

This story was originally published July 9, 2015 at 5:09 PM with the headline "Dogs OK after coyote attack on Lake Wylie trail."