'Why is the whole world picking on me?' — Wyle E. Coyote Jr. Last week we received three messages about alleged coyote attacks on dogs in the vicinity of Lindero Canyon and Kanan roads, which are the borders of North Ranch and Oak Park.

That's nothing new, except for one major difference.

Each of the attacks allegedly occurred while somebody was walking their dog.

An officer said East Valley Sheriff's Station was unaware of any coyote attacks involving people walking their dogs, so if the attacks occurred, nobody reported them.

If a coyote attacks your dog while you're on a walk, report it. Peace officers are involved with all facets of public safety, even when it involves wildlife. If coyotes are so bold that they're getting aggressive with dogs while they're on leashes, deputies need to know about it.

Interestingly enough, Harry Morse, a spokesperson for the state Department of Fish and Game, said it's possible a coyote would attack a dog that was being walked, and more likely if it were a little dog accompanied by a child or smaller pedestrian.

He offered some suggestions:

•Don't walk your dog in or near open space areas where coyotes live.

•Don't leave pet food and water outdoors. They attract coyotes.

•Keep all pets indoors at night because when your pet is left outdoors, it, too, becomes fair game.

•If a pet is bitten by a coyote, the pet should be taken to a veterinarian. "We've not encountered rabies in coyotes, but that doesn't mean they can't get rabies," Morse said.

Packs of coyotes can be aggressive even toward medium-sized dogs. When coyotes work as a team, only bigger dogs can defend themselves. If coyotes get out of control, animal control agencies can take steps to remove them, Morse said.

Not so many years ago, coyotes only came into neighborhoods at night. Now they can be seen scampering around at dusk or dawn—or even in broad daylight. When food and water become scarce, coyotes will seek what they need in towns and cities.

Remember, too, that spring is almost here. We'll be seeing more and more coyotes.