By Fran Jewell
Since our recent mountain lion attacks upon dogs in the Valley, I go out with my dogs every time they are outside. Even during the day, a few weeks ago, there was a mountain lion spotted and captured on video just two blocks from my home! Even though I own big dogs, I am very cautious and so are most all dog owners throughout the Valley.
But, last night, I was once more reminded that we have another predator that we don’t often think about. Many times we don’t see them as something to concern ourselves with. I was out with my dogs about 11:30 when I heard an owl very nearby. When I did some research on the Internet, I discovered that the hooting I heard was that of a territorial nature. I’m not sure which species of owl it was.
Until my research, I honestly believed that the biggest concern for our small-dog communities was eagles and some hawks. It appears that the eagles are able to pick up and carry away dogs that are up to about 5 pounds. An owl, however, can pick up almost 20 pounds!
I have a neighbor with a small dog that is out unaccompanied by the owner several times a day, including at night. The owl I heard was in their direction.
Owls are a very real threat for our smaller dogs. As I did more research, I saw videos of dogs as large as Havanese being attacked by owls. Several of them ended up losing their eyes or having other serious wounds.
It is our nature in this Valley to allow our dogs to be free and walk ahead of us on the trails, or be loose in our backyards, thinking they are safe. This simply is not true. Obviously, smaller dogs are at much higher risk for sometimes fatal attacks.
Years ago I was backpacking up Greenhorn with our dog Lucy when a badger ran out and headed straight for her. Lucy was about 25 pounds but was walking so nicely next to me… ON A LEASH. The badger was headed full speed toward her, but then realized I was there. It stopped and returned the way it came. WHEW! That could have been a disaster for both Lucy and me!!!
Many of us feel safer with a larger dog, but we must also realize there are much larger predators, such as mountain lions. We forget or are not aware that many moose have killed dogs in Hulen Meadows over the years. Elk can do the same. Many of my clients have had bears in their yards, even in their HOMES!
We live in a wildlife interface area. Some of us experience the local wildlife in our yards if we are observant. Many of us don’t see the elusive night creatures that surround our homes. As dog owners, it is our responsibility to keep our dogs safe. Little dogs are of particular concern, but larger dogs are, too.
Please, PLEASE, don’t be cavalier about our lifestyle. On a busy trail your dog might be the vision of the next meal for our wildlife.
Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit www.positivepuppy.com or call (208) 578-1565.