Always make sure that a pet’s rabies vaccine is up to date and if you know that potentially dangerous wild animals are present, or you’re in an unfamiliar area, take extra care to keep your pet close and secure.”. Although bird attacks are not a common occurrence, some of Florida’s birds are known to occasionally become aggressive. Note that the survey only covers bite wounds. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Most cats enjoy going outdoors.  |  Individuals will prey upon smaller animals, such as squirrels, rodents, birds, and even domestic cats. Ground Hog ————- 9. What is the Lifespan of an Indoor & Outdoor Cat?→. Javelinas, or peccaries, are feral pig-like omnivores native … The bird starts to squawk (very loud), and then actually kind of "dive bombs" the cat & the cat runs away. However, even though Tabby may have sharp claws to defend herself, there are many animals that present a potential danger to her when she's outside. All rights reserved. Attacks are usually short-lived, but it may be helpful to understand what an attack is, why birds behave this way, which birds to look out for, and what you should do. Cats enjoy basking in the sun and watching the activity outside can help her pass the time as she normally would outside. Coyote ————- 3. Javelinas, or peccaries, are feral pig-like omnivores native to the southwestern United States. As well, they also enjoy food that people leave out for their pets. Twice I saw this bird attack a cat. “VPI’s data reveals that not all members of the animal kingdom observe backyard fences, or appreciate the curiosity of a pet that may enter their territory. Worse still, coyotes live all over North America, often hiding out in parks and areas with tree or bush coverage -- … They have been known to viciously attack both pets and people. Now they are increasingly present in suburban and urban areas and that has had a big impact on house cats and other pets. It's stimulating, they enjoy the fresh air and they get to exercise their natural predatory instincts. I'm not sure what type of bird it is, but I think it's a female blue jay. Many animals are nocturnal and do their hunting and prowling at night. Scorpion ————- 6. Skunk ————- 10. It can be difficult for a large bird to fly with more than a few pounds in its talons, but cats can be seriously injured by being dropped from great distances or from wounds from the birds' sharp talons. Though animal attack claims came from all areas of the country, javelina and scorpion claims were exclusive to the state of Arizona. Many people dislike cats because of their predatory nature -- they are often vilified for killing songbirds. Coyotes can be deadly, and they're especially known for killing domestic dogs and cats. Following are the 10 animals aside from dogs and cats that were most responsible for pet injury claims in 2008: Top 10 Animals To Attack Pets —————————– 1. Though animal attack claims came from all areas of the country, javelina and scorpion claims were exclusive to the state of Arizona. Though they are cute to look at, it's best to remember that raccoons are wild animals. However, there are instances of red-tailed hawks, eagles and owls flying off with small dogs and cats. If Tabby hasn't been spayed (or neutered), it will help her adjust to life indoors. While bird attacks on pets are not common, birds have been recorded as attacking: Small dogs and puppies, especially toy or miniature breeds. She'll appreciate a spot near a window. Few people think about large birds of prey being a threat to cats, but they are. An additional benefit is that your neighbors who enjoy songbirds and dislike Tabby's hunting habits will appreciate that she's not killing birds. It may be a female with a nest nearby who is being protective. Raccoon ————- 4. Nation’s Largest Pet Insurer Reveals Claims Data on Animal Attacks. It's stimulating, they enjoy the fresh air and they get to exercise their natural predatory instincts. The important thing is to be patient and give her time to adjust to her new life inside, where she'll be safe from adversaries. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently reviewed more than 500 laceration/bite wound claims in search of animal-inspired incidents to determine which wild animals most frequently attacked and injured companion pets in 2008. Coyotes tend to be associated with rural areas, where they have room to hunt and roam, but that has changed over time. Karen Nichols CS Monitor: Outdoor Cats Are Easy Prey for Coyotes, Humane Society: Coyotes, Pets, and Feral Cats, Show Cats Online: Birds of Prey vs. Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma. Get tips and exclusive deals. “Whether in urban or rural areas, pet owners should be aware of the danger posed by wild animals,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI.