[Jeff Higgins]

I have to wonder what that cat's long term prospects might be. Caught more in the open, with no cover nor escape route, even that scrawny little 'yote would have prevailed.

Knowing that their neighborhoods are inhabited by these kinds of predators, I can't believe people still let their cats (or even small dogs) out, especially at night. I know around here that the average service life of an outdoor cat is measured in months, if not weeks. Our neighbors have all learned the hard way, and simply do not let them out anymore.

Oh, new neighbors will, and seem to think I'm overly cautious or something when I tell them they should keep their cats in, especially at night. They seem to think I'm making it up, just trying to scare them, or something. Until they lose a cat. Or several. Then the reality sinks in, and they will ask me what they can do about it. Most didn't like the answer before they lost their cat(s), but seem a little more receptive once they have. Kinda like the neighborhood bunnies (the ones responsible for attracting the coyotes to begin with)... "cute", until they eat their gardens down to bare dirt. Then it's "what kind of air rifle would you recommend?"