Coyote Killing Pet Cats

Our cat dissappeared in April from our back deck.  We found claw marks where the predator struggled with the cat, from this we assumed it was a bobcat (having sighted one nearby).

We adopted a large, 21 lb (muscle not fat) cat from the shelter, thinking it would be too big for the bobcat. A few days ago the predator made another visit, and though we did not see it, the cat returned home with tufts of hair hanging out of it's neck and back (no flesh wounds, just hair). 

I contacted animal control, then state wildlife, and was directed to a private individual for assistance live-trapping the bobcat.  I was told that the predator was most likely a coyote.  The individual could not help us live trap a coyote, and didn't want to risk hurting an animal in a foot trap.  I have seen a coyote nearby.  Yesterday we found canine (presumably coyote) scat with what appeared to be cat fur (white & grey). 

I want to alert other pet owners to the danger.  I understand that this is common, especially in the late spring/early summer when coyotes have pups to feed. 

We live at the northern end of Town Mountain (2871) but I understand that Coyote's range is large enough to potentially concern residence in the Town Mountain area.

- Lisa Alcorn