Ashley Yi's Dog Killed by Coyote Attack, Influencer Shares Heartache

Featured Image Via: Raushenberger on Pixabay.

Coyote attacks are scary, and unfortunately, not uncommon when it comes to dogs and other pets. Sadly, influencer Ashley Yi's beloved dog, Nimbus, was a victim of a coyote attack. She bravely shared the news and the story of what happened in a recent TikTok.

The Tragic Story

Social media creator Ashley Yi (@ashyizzle) has cultivated a deep connection with her over 6 million followers through sharing Korean dishes, family life, and love for her Pomeranian, Nimbus.

However, Yi recently took to TikTok to share devastating news. "A few weeks ago, Nimbus was killed by a coyote," Yi said through tears. "My father carelessly left Nimbus in the backyard at night, unsupervised, with the doors closed."

Yi tells of how she warned her father, showing him videos of coyotes easily jumping fences.

Sadly, the Yi family is not alone.

A Coyote Encounters Map run by the University of California shows multiple incidents in recent months, especially in and around Los Angeles, where Ashley Yi resides.

What's more, coyotes show an incredible ability to thrive in diverse habitats, residing across the entire United States, with highest numbers in Texas, California, Arizona, and Kansas (1). The Urban Coyote Research project has found up to 14 reported coyote attacks on pets per year in the Chicago metropolitan area alone (2).

Do Coyotes Attack All Dog Breeds?

Coyotes attack small and even medium dog breeds for prey, as well as large dog breeds that can be seen as a threat to territory (3). Large breed attacks most commonly occur during the coyote breeding season, which takes place from January through March. And while, like the Yi family sadly experienced, dogs who are left alone outside at night are the most at-risk, coyotes can approach a pet or a human anywhere.

Coyotes attack cats as well. While keeping cats indoors is the safest way to keep them safe, for feral cats being fed outside it is very important to only feed them during the day and to clean up all food immediately.

Preventing Coyote Encounters

Whether you have a dog, cat, or any other type of outdoor pet, the Humane Society says the most effective method for handling and preventing conflicts with coyotes is to remove food sources and implement hazing techniques (4). This means avoiding feeding pets outside (or removing the food within an hour of the meal) and even getting rid of outdoor water bowls. Compost should be kept in enclosed bins with no meat or fish scraps. Fallen fruit and bird seed should be removed from the ground.

As a second step, fencing can be a powerful deterrent. A fence should be at least 6 feet high with the bottom extending at least 6 inches below ground. As an added precaution, Coyote Rollers can be attached to fences, making it difficult for a jumping coyote to make it completely over without slipping.

Handling Coyote Encounters

If you see a coyote, hazing is the next method to use. This means using a variety of tactics to scare the animal away from your property. Examples from the Humane Society include (5):

• Yelling and waving your arms while approaching the animal
• Using whistles, air horns (you can purchase small air horns for dog walks), bells, shaker cans full of marbles or pennies, banging pots and pans
• Throwing projectiles such as sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls or rubber balls
• Squirting hoses, water guns with vinegar, spray bottles with vinegar water, pepper spray, or bear repellent

Additional Precautions Against Coyote Attacks on Pets

Thanks to courageous pet parents like Yi—who are willing to share about their pets' tragic end and spread the word on the dangers of coyotes—innovative solutions continue to come on the market. While no product is a guarantee and your supervision is the best possible precaution, it may be helpful to have one or more of these on hand. Spiked Coyote Vest

These spiked vests are made with hard spikes along the back and neck to help shield your pet from coyote attacks while walking. Spiked coyote collars are a similar option. LED Collar

Bright LED dog collars make pets more visible at night, and easier to keep an eye on. A reflective dog vest is another simple option. Personal Alarm

Having a personal alarm on hand to make a loud noise and provide a source of light can make hazing a coyote easier.

The Bottom Line on Coyotes and Pets

Coyotes are extremely adaptable to changing conditions. A true scavenger, the coyote will eat anything from livestock and rodents to sandwiches and plain old trash. Their presence and activity is an ongoing problem for families across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, especially for those with small dogs, like Ashley Yi.

The generous creator also shared that Nimbus was her "greatest joy." She vowed to continue honoring him by helping others feel "a little more loved than when I found them." Which is what Nimbus did for her.

And we have certainly felt that way. We thank Ashley Yi for sharing Nimbus's harrowing story. Not only is she honoring his memory, but her words have likely already saved other dogs from the risk of nearby coyote populations. ***

Written by: Wendy Toth
Wendy is an entrepreneurial writer, editor, mom of two humans, one cat, one dog, and one fish. For the last 15 years she has held positions at Parents Magazine, NBC, PetSmart, and GreatPetCare. Because she loves her work so much, she's obsessed with helping others find career fulfillment, and covers it regularly at PowerSuiting.