What in the world is this, you ask?! Are we going to a heavy metal rock concert?
Good guess, but no. To explain this look, we’ll have to start from the beginning!
The Bald Eagle
The bald eagle has long been known as the national bird of the United States, but this beautiful creature’s population dwindled over the years. In 1978, the bald eagle was declared endangered by the federal government and placed under the Endangered Species Act. However, they are making a huge comeback!
Since 2009, their population has quadrupled! A report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated that there were 316,700 eagles and 71,400 breeding pairs in 2019. Hooray for bald eagles…not so much for little dogs and cats.
Pet parents of cats and wee little dogs: BEWARE!
A bald eagle’s 8-foot wingspan is quite impressive. Their talons are curved and razor-sharp for catching and holding prey. Their vision is five times sharper than that of a human and they can spot a target as small as a rabbit up to a mile away. They are incredible hunters and have also been known to hunt in groups.
Eagles have been known to scoop up full-grown geese, so a cat or small dog would be no problem for these predatory birds. Although it occurs rarely, it has happened before. For pet parents living in areas where bald eagles nest, there is always a danger that their pets may become prey to these majestic raptors.
Enter the Coyote Vest
Coyote vests are like full-body harnesses that have a series of spikes on the back. If you live in coyote country or like to let your little fur babies free roam in the yard, it offers protection from coyotes and as it turns out…eagles!
These vests might look silly, but they could be a lifesaver for your feline or small dog. Bald eagles typically eat fish, birds and small rodents. However, they are also an opportunistic carnivore and will consume a wide variety of prey. Don’t assume that they will not attack in human populated areas. Mark Smith learned this unfortunate lesson first hand as his 3 year old pomeranian was attacked and killed by an eagle in his backyard. Read Mark’sl story here.
If you live in Bald Eagle territory and own a small dog that loves to play in the yard, it might be worthwhile to look into a coyote vest. While the coyote vests also fit on cats…well…getting it on a cat might be tricky. And if you have an outdoor cat, it may not suit their lifestyle. You will need to consider the pros and cons for your cat.
Click here for some additional safety tips for keeping your pets safe and happy during the hot summer months.
Where are the Bald Eagles?
Bald eagles can be found all over the United States, but Alaska is the most common location. They usually live near a body of water so lakes in Colorado and other similar places will see more nesting eagles.
When taking your pet outside, always remain aware of your surroundings. The bald eagles are thriving once again, so let’s make sure the same stays true for our furry family members.