Letter to the Editor - August 2, 2018
Resident issues warning to community after cat attacked by coyote
In the wee hours of the morning last Thursday July 19, our outdoor cat was savaged by a coyote on our lighted front porch in Daniel Island Park. We were fortunate to hear the noise and ran outside to find our cat mangled and growling in the bushes. We were able to wrap her in a towel and get her to the emergency vet on Johnnie Dodds. After five days of holding her own, she succumbed to her injuries and died. We blame no one but ourselves. We had skimmed articles and heard rumors of coyotes on DI. We honestly thought it was similar to sharing space with alligators. We did not understand the gravity of the threat to our cat. We have reported the incident to DNR (Department of Natural Resources) and the Daniel Island POA. I’m not sure if anyone is tracking the incidents, but I feel it’s important to share as much information as possible with one another. Forewarned is forearmed, so to speak. We are advising all small animals to be brought in at dusk, or earlier. We will no longer keep any food on our porch. We hope our story can help keep your pet safe.
Laurie Steinke
Daniel Island
(Editor’s Note: Although this incident occurred in Daniel Island Park, it’s important to note that coyote sightings and attacks have been reported in multiple neighborhoods on the island, including Cochran Park, Barfield Park, and River Landing Drive.)