Charlotte pet owner warning others after coyote kills her cat

A pet owner is sharing how a coyote killed her beloved cat in an effort to warn her fellow pet owners.

Posted 8:24 a.m. Oct 29, 2021 — Updated 10:54 a.m. Oct 29, 2021

WCNC Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A pet owner is sharing how a coyote killed her beloved cat in an effort to warn her fellow pet owners.

WCNC Charlotte reports Emily Ostendorff's 14-year-old black and white cat, Nigel, was sitting on the front porch around 5:45 p.m. last Tuesday when a coyote crossed the front yard.

Ostendorff's home video camera captured the moment Nigel ran after the coyote.

The coyote killed Nigel before it scurried back to the woods.

Falyn Owens, an extension wildlife biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said teenage coyotes strike off by themselves in autumn.

Owens said they prey on small pets, but they’re afraid of humans.

"If you see a coyote in your neighborhood, scare it off," Owens said. "That teaches them to be afraid of us."

Biologists say coyotes are common across North Carolina, even in residential areas, though they can be very good at not being seen.

"Hearing or seeing one is no cause for surprise or alarm,” said Owens.

Suggest A Correction