An 11-pound dog named Dexter is recovering after a coyote attacked him in Lake Oswego, Oregon, highlighting a growing concern for pet owners as coyote sightings increase across Clackamas County.
What happened?
After Dexter was attacked, his owner, Donald Palmer, brought him to a veterinarian, according to Hoodline. The vet also assessed the dog for rabies and advised Palmer to contact Clackamas County animal control, even though public health officials say rabies in Oregon coyotes is extremely rare. Lake Oswego has logged 25 coyote sightings in 2026 alone.
Liz Weinberg, assistant director of the Portland Urban Coyote Project, told the outlet that coyotes are generally not a major threat to humans, though they can endanger small pets. The Portland Urban Coyote Project, launched at Portland State University in 2010 as a community-led tracking and education effort, has gathered more than 17,000 public sighting reports.
Researchers estimate the greater Portland metro area is home to 3,340 to 8,690 coyotes, including about 75 to 190 within Portland city limits.
Why does it matter?
Coyotes have adapted to life in cities and suburbs as development has reduced natural habitat and larger predators have disappeared from many ecosystems. In neighborhoods, unsecured trash, fallen fruit, birdseed scattered on the ground, and food left out for feral cats can all teach coyotes that human spaces are dependable places to find a meal.
During denning and pupping season in the spring and early summer, coyotes may be more active during the day as parents search for food. Animals that have become habituated to people may also appear bolder in daylight, increasing the likelihood of neighborhood encounters.
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Although the danger to humans remains relatively low, attacks on small dogs or other pets can cause stress, veterinary costs, and safety concerns.
What can I do?
Officials say reducing the risk starts with making neighborhoods less attractive to coyotes by securing trash, removing fallen fruit, and preventing birdseed from building up on the ground.
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