Trish Gallup was walking her three dogs Friday morning in Smyrna when one of them, Radar, just started running.
She told Channel 2 Action News that a pair of coyotes took three bites out of Radar, leaving Boomer and Tracker unharmed. Pictures showed the missing tufts of hair on Radar, an 85-pound Labrador.
A picture of a coyote on the path at the River Line Soccer Park on Oakdale Road was posted on Nextdoor, reports Channel 2, and many people responded saying they have also seen them around.
Wildlife experts told Channel 2 Action News that an attack on a large dog like Radar is unusual.
What isn’t unusual is coyotes in “transition areas” — think treelines or areas where cut grass fades into other types of vegetation.
READ | East Cobb woman says video shows 4 coyotes roaming her snowy backyard
Dr. Tina Johannsen with Georgia's Department of Natural Resources told Channel 2 that they have received 650 calls into their regional offices about coyotes this year, which is a standard amount.
“They're just going from point A to point B looking for something to eat,” Johannsen said.
Aren’t we all.
Johannsen recommended keeping cats and small dogs fenced in or on a leash.
She also wanted to remind folks that it’s legal and encouraged to kill the creatures.
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For a second year, the “Georgia Coyote Challenge” is in effect. Those who kill the most between March and August could get a lifetime hunting license.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported that a spokesman said 83 hunters turned in a total of 195 coyotes during the 2017 challenge period.
Animal advocates groups criticized the "challenge" by saying it doesn't work and is inhumane.
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