Brittany Furlan's Heroic Rescue: Saving Her Dog from a Coyote Attack

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Brittany Furlan, known for her social media presence and as the wife of Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, found herself in a real-life crisis when a coyote attacked her beloved dachshund, Neena, in the backyard of her Los Angeles home. Captured on home security footage, the dramatic event showcased Furlan's quick thinking and bravery as she intervened to save Neena from the clutches of the wild animal. This article dives into the details of the encounter, the growing threat of coyote-human interactions in urban settings, and how to protect pets from such attacks.
The Incident: A Narrow Escape for Neena
Caught on Camera
The terrifying encounter occurred on September 24, 2023, in broad daylight. Furlan's home security footage shows a coyote sneaking into her backyard and snatching her 10-year-old dachs...

Visit TopNaturalHealth.com for special promo code pricing for listeners of Podsession.

View our original article Brittany Furlan's Heroic Rescue: Saving Her Dog from a Coyote Attack here. 

Brittany Furlan, known for her social media presence and as the wife of Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, found herself in a real-life crisis when a coyote attacked her beloved dachshund, Neena, in the backyard of her Los Angeles home. Captured on home security footage, the dramatic event showcased Furlan's quick thinking and bravery as she intervened to save Neena from the clutches of the wild animal. This article dives into the details of the encounter, the growing threat of coyote-human interactions in urban settings, and how to protect pets from such attacks.

The Incident: A Narrow Escape for Neena Caught on Camera

The terrifying encounter occurred on September 24, 2023, in broad daylight. Furlan's home security footage shows a coyote sneaking into her backyard and snatching her 10-year-old dachshund, Neena. Coyotes are known for their stealth and quick attacks, particularly in urban areas where they search for easy prey such as small pets.

Without hesitation, Furlan sprang into action. In a moment of pure adrenaline and love for her pet, she scaled a 10-foot wall and managed to pry Neena from the jaws of the coyote. Her actions likely saved Neena's life. As Furlan later explained, "Thank God she's a little bit fat because [the coyote] couldn't make it over the wall with her."

Aftermath and Recovery

Remarkably, Neena survived the ordeal without any visible injuries, no puncture wounds or bites. According to Furlan, Neena appeared unfazed shortly after the attack, seen eating treats and playing as if nothing had happened. However, for Furlan, the incident served as a sobering reminder of the dangers lurking in urban environments, even within seemingly safe backyards.

Furlan later expressed her deep emotional connection to her dogs, stating, "I would rather have the coyote attack me... I love my dogs so much. I don’t have children of my own, I just have these dogs, and I would do anything for them." Her actions speak to the lengths many pet owners are willing to go to protect their animals from harm.

Coyote Encounters in Urban Areas: An Increasing Threat The Rise of Coyotes in Cities

The encounter between Brittany Furlan's dog and the coyote is far from an isolated incident. Across North America, coyotes have become increasingly common in urban environments, a direct result of expanding human developments that encroach on their natural habitats. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that have learned to thrive in cities, often taking advantage of the food sources provided by urban settings.

This growing presence has led to a rise in coyote-human interactions, with more frequent sightings in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Encounters often occur when coyotes search for food in garbage bins, pet food bowls left outdoors, and even small pets. As their territory overlaps with human populations, encounters between coyotes and humans are becoming more common.

Understanding Coyote Behavior

Coyotes are generally shy and avoid human contact, but as they become more comfortable in urban areas, their natural wariness can diminish. This habituation is often the result of food attractants left by humans, including unsecured trash, bird feeders, and pet food. As coyotes lose their fear of people, they may begin to approach homes, backyards, and parks in search of an easy meal.

One of the primary challenges for urban wildlife managers is the increasing boldness of these animals, particularly during their breeding season (December to March) and denning season (April to May). During these periods, coyotes may exhibit more aggressive behavior as they protect their young or establish territory.

Wealthy Neighborhoods and Coyote Encounters

Interestingly, studies have shown that wealthier neighborhoods tend to report higher rates of coyote encounters. This may be due to several factors:

• Availability of green spaces: Affluent areas often have more parks and landscaping, which can attract wildlife.
• Increased food attractants: Residents in wealthier neighborhoods may be more likely to leave food out, including pet food, birdseed, and compost piles, which can draw coyotes closer to homes.
• Heightened awareness and reporting: Residents in these areas may be more likely to report sightings and encounters to authorities.

How to Protect Pets from Coyote Attacks Pet Safety Tips

Coyotes are opportunistic predators, and small pets like cats and small dogs are particularly vulnerable. Here are some essential safety tips to keep pets safe from coyote attacks:

1. Supervise Pets Outdoors: Never leave pets unattended outside, especially at night when coyotes are most active. Even during the day, always keep an eye on your pets when they are in the backyard.
2. Use Leashes During Walks: When walking dogs in areas known for coyote activity, keep them on a short leash. This reduces the likelihood of your dog running ahead and encountering a coyote.
3. Install Secure Fencing: A coyote-proof fence should be at least 8 feet high and extend at least 12 inches underground to prevent coyotes from climbing over or digging under. You can also add coyote rollers or spikes to the top of the fence as a deterrent.
4. Remove Food Attractants: Ensure that food sources like garbage, fallen fruit, and pet food are not accessible to coyotes. Secure your trash cans, clean up any debris, and avoid feeding pets outdoors.
5. Equip Pets with Coyote Vests: There are specially designed vests available that protect pets from coyote attacks. These kevlar vests are lined with spikes along the back to deter coyotes from biting or carrying away small pets.
6. Carry Deterrents: When walking in areas known for coyote activity, carry deterrents like air horns, whistles, or pepper spray. Coyotes are generally afraid of loud noises and sudden movements, which can help scare them away.
7. Secure Cats Indoors: Cats are particularly vulnerable to coyote attacks. Keep them indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure to protect them from harm.
8. Illumination: Keep your yard well-lit at night, as coyotes are less likely to approach areas with bright lights.
9. Be Vigilant During Key Seasons: Coyotes tend to be more active and aggressive during mating season (January-March) and denning season (April-May). During these times, be extra cautious and avoid walking in known coyote territories.

Brittany Furlan's Act of Heroism and Its Broader Message The Importance of Vigilance

Brittany Furlan's quick and courageous response during the coyote attack serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by urban wildlife. While her story had a happy ending, not all pet owners are so fortunate. The encounter highlights the need for increased awareness and precautionary measures to keep pets safe in urban areas where wildlife, such as coyotes, roam freely.

Emotional Connection to Pets

For Furlan, as with many pet owners, the emotional connection to her dogs is profound. Pets are often seen as family members, and many owners would go to great lengths to protect them. Furlan's statement, "I would rather have the coyote attack me," speaks to the intensity of this bond and the lengths pet owners will go to ensure their animals’ safety.

In a world where urban environments increasingly intersect with wildlife habitats, Furlan's story underscores the importance of preparedness and the need for pet owners to stay vigilant, even in seemingly safe environments like their own backyards.

Coyote Encounters: Coexisting with Urban Wildlife Coexistence and Management

As urban sprawl continues to encroach on natural habitats, encounters with wildlife like coyotes are becoming more frequent. Urban coyotes have adapted well to city life, but their presence can lead to conflicts, especially when they come into contact with humans and pets.

To address these challenges, wildlife experts recommend a two-pronged approach: educating the public on how to coexist with wildlife and actively managing coyote populations through deterrents and removal of food sources. Programs that emphasize community involvement in reporting sightings and managing attractants can help reduce conflicts.

The Role of Hazing Techniques

One of the most effective methods for deterring coyotes is hazing—a technique that involves using loud noises, physical gestures, and deterrents to scare coyotes away from populated areas. Common hazing methods include:

• Making loud noises: Using air horns, whistles, or banging pots and pans can startle and scare off coyotes.
• Appearing large: Waving your arms or standing tall can make you appear more intimidating to a coyote.
• Throwing objects: If safe to do so, throwing sticks, rocks, or balls in the coyote's direction can deter it from approaching.

It’s important to note that hazing should be done in a way that reinforces coyotes' natural wariness of humans. However, in non-threatening situations, it’s best to leave coyotes alone and allow them to navigate their environment as part of the broader urban ecosystem.

Conclusion: The Importance of Awareness and Preparedness

Brittany Furlan’s daring rescue of her dog Neena serves as a powerful reminder of the ever-present threat posed by coyotes in urban environments. Her quick thinking saved her pet’s life, and her story has raised awareness of the need for pet owners to be vigilant and prepared for similar encounters.

With urban wildlife like coyotes becoming more prevalent, the responsibility lies with residents to protect their pets through proactive measures, such as removing food sources, securing yards, and using deterrents when necessary. Coexisting with wildlife is a reality in many cities, and by understanding their behavior and employing safety strategies, people can ensure the safety of their pets while respecting the natural environment.

Furlan’s experience is both a cautionary tale and a testament to the lengths pet owners will go to protect the animals they love.