Two small dogs were killed in separate attacks when coyotes jumped Lafayette fences into backyards that faced open space in less than one week. An adult Pomeranian was killed in northwest Lafayette around 7 a.m. on Saturday when a coyote attacked it in a backyard that faces open space in the 2800 bl ock of Shoshone Trail, according to Lafayette Police Department Sergeant Jeremy Molander. Another dog, an adult cocker spaniel, was killed in northeast Lafayette around 10 a.m. Tuesday in a similar backyard in the 1200 block of Hawk Ridge Road, Molander said. Both dogs were outside unattended when the coyotes attacked, Molander said in an email. “Although it is fairly rare, pets can sometimes look like prey to wildlife,” the Lafayette Police Department wrote in a social media post. Police notified the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife of both attacks, Molander said. Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for the wildlife agency, said it is important for residents in the Lafayette, Erie and Broomfield areas, particularly those who live near open space, to know they are living in “coyote country.” Three dogs were killed by coyotes in Broomfield in the fall. Van Hoose recommended pet owners keep an eye on their dogs and make noise when opening doors to let pets outside, particularly around dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. “Keeping an eye on your pets is a huge, huge deal and part of being a responsible pet owner,” she said. The parks and wildlife department has additional recommendations for people to stay safe and protect pets in the presence of coyotes, according to the department’s website. • Secure garbage, pet food, birdfeeders and compost piles • Residents with coyotes near them home should consider radios, motion-activated lighting, strobe lights, sirens or odor deterrents • Keep pets up to date on vaccines • Keep cats indoors and always supervise pets when they’re outdoors • If a dog must be kept outside, keep it in a fully enclosed kennel • Keep pets on a short leash and never let them play or interact with wildlife • Pick up small dogs when coyotes are present ...read more read less