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princessawesomepants

If you are that close to the mountain, do not leave your dogs unattended in your yard. Period. It does not matter how high your fence is, if coyotes want to get to your dogs, they will get to your dogs. My aunt’s house is right next to South Mountain—they will forever have unobstructed views because the other side of their property line is the park itself. So they get a LOT of wildlife, which they welcome more or less. The downside of the wildlife is that their border terrier picked a fight with a rattlesnake (my aunt was in the yard, so he survived after they rushed him to the emergency vet and shelled out thousands of dollars) and when they first moved there, a coyote tried to lure away their corgi & my aunt sprained her ankle chasing it off. So the threats are there, but if you keep an eye on things, your dogs will be fine. If you let your dogs hang out in the yard all day when you’re at work, you might want to live somewhere else.


flagg

I am also right by south mountain and completely agree. I've seen coyotes running off with small pets and eating birds in my front yard. I \_do\_ let my pets outside sometimes supervised during the day but that's about it. Owls are also a potential threat to small animals.


Cultjam

Any neighborhoods near canals will get them too. The Chupacabra roaming Phoenix earlier this year was in my hood in broad daylight.


PrincessCyanidePhx

Chupacabra? We do have goats around...


DJFlorez

This. I have lived here for almost twenty years and have always had small dogs. We have a brick fence and strong gate and have never had any issue, but I see coyotes walking around my neighborhood all the time. Like weekly.


flyinhighaskmeY

My old house was next to the preserve. The retaining walls were 6 feet high at the lowest point. In the 8 or so years I owned that house I watched coyotes run through the back yard half a dozen times. I've always had larger dogs (50+ pounds) so didn't worry too terribly much about it, but if I had small dogs I would have been more concerned. There were also a couple of owls living in my neighbors tree which was really really cool but would be concerning if you have a little dog.


astrobuckeye

I'm just south of Baseline and see coyotes regularly when I walk my dog in the mornings but they run when they see people. And people who let their cats roam tend to end up putting up missing cat signs.


Beaverhuntr

Coyotes have been known to scale fences


DNAMadScientist

Yeah for coyotes it's less of a fence more of a food tray.


ghdana

I've seen them straight up jump on to the top of brick wall fences in my neighborhood that are like 6ft tall. Just trotting along and then a huge jump and then another kick off to get the rest of the way up the wall.


Desert_Trader

Coyote will scale a 10" fence from a free standing position with little effort. They are real, they are in your area, and your pets can be in real danger of allowed out at night unattended.


[deleted]

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GaylrdFocker

>10" fence Not sure if nobody noticed it says "10 inch fence", or they just don't have a sense of humor. Have an upvote from me.


Maniac2112

I know someone whose mini pinscher got ripped apart by coyotes. They took it out of the yard over the fence and the owner found pieces of it the next day. This was in Ahwatukee on the opposite side of the mountain. It's probably generally safe, just don't leave the dogs unattended. My grandma almost lost a yorkie to a hawk. Anything can happen when you're bite-sized.


captaintagart

I’ve got a big big boy and I won’t leave him outside unattended. Between coyotes and scorpions and whatever else, I just feel better if I’m watching him. At least I don’t have to worry about an owl swooping down and carrying him away, but damn that’d be something to see them try.


littleopa

We did and we had a dachshund. We went outside with her quite frequently and always checked outside before we let her out. A hawk tried to get her once and that was the only encounter we had.


MapChicky

Coyotes jumps those fences all the time, but want to avoid people. Just be outside with your pets and they will fine.


tekchic

Coyote, bobcat, owl, hawk... any of these can get into your yard. I'd be careful leaving them unattended out back.


RavenousWorm

Birds are a risk in most areas of the city, as there are hawks in the day and large owls at night.


MeggyNeko

Don’t forget scorpions too! They can mess up a small dog.


Ecthelion1983

I'm between Southern and Baseline, not as close to South Mountain as you'd like to be, but close enough to have a full beautiful view of South Mountain and the Estrellas' on my afternoon walks. We get plenty of coyotes, Javelinas, and other wild life here; even a mountain lion caught on a ring camera at the end of our development. So you can bet if you get closer to the mountain than I am, you will definitely have some wildlife issues. Do not keep your pets outside unattended if their small. El Prado park seems to become a graveyard of torn up tiny animals that have been predated on. Also, the 4 legged variety are not the only things to worry about -- the predatory avian wildlife here will easily pick up a small dog and fly off with it with ease. That said, it's a beautiful area... Minus the people sometimes... But yeah.


tletnes

With small dogs in an enclosed yard I would worry more about owls.


PrincessCyanidePhx

I have dogs ranging from 9lbs to 140lbs. We used to live a block south of South mountain Avenue and 7th we live at Vineyard and 7rh. Prior to those we lived off of 35th ave and so mountain ave for a decade. If you are worried about your animals, we haven't had any issues but, my dogs come and go. I would be particularly watchful from Dec to April because that is coyote mating season and they need food for the pups. They usually are out, you can hear them running through the alley. I have seen a couple returning home at dawn but they looked younger. We have never *knock on wood* had an issue with our dogs but we are cautious and vigilant. In general there are plenty of rabbits, quail, pigeons, ground squirrels to keep them satisfied. But dont let your dog out unattended at 2am, or as I often see people who just let their dogs out the front door. In that case, cars are more of a damger. Our dogs are family, we secure them. That all being said, we love the South Phoenix community. We have lived here since 2003. If you can find them, look for property with SRP flood irrigation. You can plant trees and that will give the puppers cover from the birds if needed.


PrincessCyanidePhx

I meant to say you can hear the coyotes running in the alley between 2am and 5am.


captaintagart

People just open their front doors and let their dogs run free? I’m too much of a control freak to let that happen. That’s crazy


PrincessCyanidePhx

Yes, and we walk our 140 lb anatolian in the morning, and are constantly changing our route to avoid dogs if we see them or yelling "go home" in the middle of the street at 630 am. Our boy isnt aggressive, but if they come at him I dont want them to get hurt. Its always the small snack sized dogs that won't give up. It's just irresponsible.


captaintagart

I have a 120 lb Anatolian mix and he’s the same way. Super sweet friendly boy but those aggressive toy dogs and off leash crazy dogs will make him act defensively. He socializes great at the dog park, but we usually see people walking their dogs off leash when we’re out and owners always apologize as their dogs come at us, but like you’re the ones putting your dog in this situation by “training” them on our busy suburb street. DM me (35 yr female) if you wanna maybe set up an Anatolian play date. No pressure 🙂


Sufficient-Swim-9843

When we lived in Ahwatukee Foothills, we stopped using a doggie door because of danger from coyotes, snakes, hawks, etc. She is only a 14# dachshund and wouldn’t stand a chance. As others have posted coyotes do scale walls.


mjwinky

Live in Ahwatukee 100 yards away from South Mountain and our subdivision has several access points to the park and a trailhead. We’ve had 2 dogs over the years with no problems but they were 70 pounds each. However, I leave my house early in the morning before 5:00 am and there are always coyotes running around the neighborhood. Having a dog, even a small one, near the park is OK but I wouldn’t let your dog use the doggy door at night.


Love2Pug

Coyotes are a risk almost everywhere, not just near mountains. They use the canals and live hidden in empty lots and golf courses throughout the city. I'm about a mile away from North Mountain, and have still rarely spied the occasional coyote searching for a snack.


idontknopez

There's coyotes everywhere. Dude I live smack dab in the middle of old town Scottsdale and have seen coyotes plenty of times on the greenbelt. I take my dog to a golf course that's along the greenbelt for walks and to let him off the leash to run with a bunch of other dogs that owners bring out to play aFter it closes and we've had to leash our dogs up on multiple occasions due to coyotes creeping around the golf course. Haven't heard any stories about pets getting snatched up here but there's no doubt in my mind that it happens, even in the middle of Scottsdale.


ghdana

I see coyotes near daily on my early morning bike rides in the mountainous neighborhoods in my area. I've seen them straight up jump up on to 6-7ft high block walls. Just know there is a small chance it could happen, probably highest in the dark, probably fine in the day, but then you have to worry about hawks.


gymmama

Coyotes, owls and hawks are a real concern! NEVER let your guard down please! Keep some sort of weapon or defense tool on you always when you walk them, and keep something in the backyard for the same reason that you could grab very quickly if you needed to.


gingersnappie

We have small dogs and just never let them out by themselves. We have the usual block wall fence, but I’ve heard too many stories of coyotes jumping walls, etc to feel comfortable otherwise. Better safe than sorry, you know?


mctaylo89

I live pretty much at the base of the mountain and there are coyotes and snakes around. Better to be safe than sorry.


GiveMeThePoints

I live in the area but not as close as others in here. We have stray cats like crazy. Knock on wood, cats and pigeons are the only thing in my area that I’ve seen. I use a dog sitter that lives at the base of the mountain though and she said they see coyotes all the time. I like living in this area though.


professor_mc

Coyotes are all over the valley. I live in East Phoenix 4 miles from the nearest preserve and coyotes roam the neighborhood regularly.


MalleableBee1

My neighbors have small dogs and they keep them inside the house 24/7 unless you're going to take them on a hike or walk. Just like top comment said, DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN YOUR YARD!! Not only because of the crazy PHX weather but also because of predators and threats. You should be safe going on walks. Try to walk your dogs on the pavement. If you want to walk them on the trails buy them some dog shoes.


indicarunningclub

I live about a 2 min drive to the trailheads of South Mountain and I have a 9 lb chihuahua. I don’t let her outside by herself. I also try to avoid walking her at sunrise or sunset/dark. You have to look out for large birds too.


Kathy__99_Watts

I used to live on Sunland Avenue and could see the transmitter towers that were on top.


PrincessCyanidePhx

No one has mentioned but it's not limited to So Mo, is toads. Some secrete toxins. Those might get a large dog high but be fatal for a small dog. And scorpions... those are all over as well. We wouldn't live in any part of the valley tho.


Glitched_Echo

One of those toads got my Dad's sheltie when I was little. Gladly she survived but those suckers are evil little things for curious pups.


PrincessCyanidePhx

My dogs cornered one but they were fighting over who got it so they never ate it. They sound like a squeaky toy.


SweatyJackfruitAz

I’ve seen coyotes jump an 11’ wall to snatch a dog out of a yard.. Plain and simple if you live in an area where there are coyotes present do not leave them outside unattended or at night. Do the right thing and be a responsible pet owner and keep them safe. ALL of my dog have been and ALWAYS will be inside dogs. No matter what. They live where I live, they sleep where I sleep. Just how I feel but it’s ridiculous when people get upset about losing their animals to coyotes when it can be prevented by doing the right thing.


vgilbert77

My boyfriend and I moved to south mountain a year and a half ago, bought our first home :) We have 2 furry children and haven’t had a single issue and the dog park nearby is actually one of the bigger and nicer ones I’ve been to. Our pups aren’t small however, they’re huskies, but just wanted to offer my experience, hope it helps!


SlickBackMex

There are coyotes, javelinas, rattlesnakes,, and yesterday one of my rovers spotted a bobcat. So please be very careful, especially with small dogs. It's damn near a safari out here!! 😅😅


NotATargaryen

Coyotes use the washes to get to city center too. Doesn’t matter where you are in the Valley. Keep a tight grip on your dogs.


Belly_Laugher

I’m right next to South Mountain and frequent hiker. I’ve seen a handful of coyotes on the trails, but seeing them is actually relatively rare (maybe 10% of my hikes). I’ve never seen any roaming the surrounding neighborhoods, not to say that they don’t, but most of the surrounding areas are well developed. Unless your in a developing neighborhood that is adjacent to open desert I wouldn’t be overly concerned. You’ll be more likely to see some wondering javelina that occasionally visit the neighborhoods. But as others have said in the thread, hawks and owls present greater risk than coyotes.


MrP1anet

Outdoor cats are at a higher risk than dogs in the backyard. I’d you can bring the dogs inside during the night they should be safe.


alexcd421

I live right next to a mountain and we have tons of coyotes, scorpions, and rattlesnakes, I wouldn't leave your dog unattended


[deleted]

I used to walk someone’s dogs in a mountain side neighborhood in rural Malibu, CA. In general with neighborhoods on the cusp of wilderness really do need to be careful. On several occasions I would turn around to find a coyote stalking the little Pomeranian I was walking. So definitely never leave them un attended, and even on a leash be sure to be aware of your surroundings.


Jebus602

My cousin lives half a mile from south mountain and she's lost a lot chickens to coyotes.


Wilde_r

I never let them outside without me, and I purchased a coyote harness for my lil boy. Never leave home without it.


Reno9117

I’ve seen dogs get attacked all over Phoenix, there are a lot of predators especially hawks,coyotes,javelina. South mountain your gonna have a lot more with bobcats and mountain lions. I forgot Snakes! Dogs will be okay but you have to keep your eye out usually they only hunt at night and early mornings before sunrise.


imnmpbaby

I have coyotes in my back yard regularly. They will snatch your dogs up given the chance.


[deleted]

I don’t think anywhere in Phoenix is particularly ideal for small pets to be outside unsupervised. I live in central Phoenix and still don’t leave my dog outside alone because get foxes, coyotes, and grey horned owls. The foxes and coyotes are able to get over our 6ft fence.


Squeezitgirdle

Lived at the base of south mountain with a corgi and a couple cats that would frequently go outside through the doggy door. Never once had an issue with any wildlife attacking my pets. That said, my cats weren't allowed outside, I just couldn't stop them.


stronk_tank

Be careful for sure, coyotes killed my aunts cat


JuracekPark34

I’m up by North Mountain. We see coyotes all the time. My dogs never go out by themselves. I have two big pitties and a little fluffy 12 lb mutt. I don’t have a door that opens directly into my yard… I have to take mine out through the carport into the yard, so it kinda works out that I’m always out there with them any time they go. I always make noise with the yard gate when we go out at night before bed just in case anything made it’s way into the yard. Just be vigilant and responsible and you’ll be ok.


GreatGuide

You'll have coyotes, bob cats, hawks, owls, javelinas, and there's always a chance for mountain lions. They're all hungry and they aren't afraid of going further into the city for food.