TRAILS -- Coyotes are reportedly menacing dogs -- mostly unleashed dogs -- along the South Hill bluff trails below High Drive.

It's late in the season for the coyotes to be associated with a den as was the case in 2012 when several dogs were attacked by coyotes apparently defending a known den on the bluff above Hangman Creek. But coyotes can be aggressive to domestic pets any time of year.

Here's one report I received at 10 a.m. this morning, Aug. 6, from a South Hill resident and frequent bluff-trails visitor:

Today we encountered four different individuals w/dogs who had encounters with coyotes. Location beneath and between Manito trailhead area and the burn area.

Two coyotes lure one dog away and then pick on vulnerable other dog.

(John Doe) has had consistent issues, but has his dogs off leash while he bikes. My husband ran down to help him retrieve his dogs.  I guess leashes would be effective for all involved -- even tho' the coyotes paralleled us and our leashed dog with a stalking type of behavior.

For the record, Spokane County Code 5.04.070 prohibits running dogs off leash except in designated off-leash dog parks.