A shocking incident in which coyotes breached an 8-foot fence and killed 20 chickens has caught the attention of many homeowners in Las Vegas. The overnight incident showed that even a tall backyard fence may not be enough to stop hungry wild animals. Security cameras captured coyotes entering a family’s yard and wiping out most of a backyard flock in just a short time.
If you keep chickens or have pets, this story is an important reminder to protect your animals. This article explains what happened, how the coyotes got into the property, why these encounters are becoming more common, and the simple steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of future attacks.
What happened at the Las Vegas home
A southwest Las Vegas homeowner lost 20 of her 25 backyard chickens after coyotes entered her property during the night. The attack happened while the birds were inside their coop, leaving the owner heartbroken over the loss of animals she had raised and named.
Surveillance video showed two or three coyotes jumping over a backyard wall that the homeowner estimated was about seven to eight feet tall. The animals then entered the chicken area and carried the birds away one by one into a nearby desert lot before returning for more.
How the coyotes got inside
The homeowner believes the coyotes entered the chicken coop through a small door that had been left open. Once inside, they were able to grab the chickens and carry them back over the wall without much trouble.
The video also showed the coyotes working together during the attack. Their ability to clear a tall fence proves that coyotes are strong jumpers and can take advantage of even a small opening if food is easy to reach.
Why coyotes are showing up in neighborhoods
Coyotes are common across Southern Nevada and have learned to live close to people. As neighborhoods continue to grow near desert areas, these animals often travel into residential communities looking for food and water.
Backyard chickens, small pets, pet food, and uncovered trash can attract coyotes. Wildlife experts say these animals usually avoid people, but they may become bolder when they find easy food sources around homes.
The impact on the homeowner
For the homeowner, the loss was about more than livestock. She said every chicken had a name and had become part of her family, making the attack especially painful.
She decided to share the security video to warn others that coyotes can reach homes far from the edge of the desert. She hopes neighbors will take extra steps to protect their pets and backyard animals before a similar attack happens again.
How homeowners can protect backyard animals
A tall fence alone may not stop coyotes from entering a yard. Wildlife experts recommend making sure chicken coops are fully enclosed and that every door is securely closed before nightfall.
Removing outdoor pet food, keeping trash covered, adding secure wire around coops, and using motion-activated lights can also help make a property less attractive to coyotes. Checking fences regularly for gaps or weak spots is another important safety step.
What this attack teaches homeowners
This Las Vegas attack shows how quickly wildlife can take advantage of a small mistake, such as leaving a coop door open. Even well-built fences cannot always keep determined predators away.
The incident is also a reminder that coyotes remain part of the local environment. Staying alert and securing backyard animals every night can greatly reduce the chances of losing pets or livestock to wildlife.
Featured Image: Photo by Dylan Ferreira on Unsplash
Leave a Reply