When we picture dangerous wild animals, lions and wolves usually come to mind. But there’s another animal closer to home that shouldn’t be underestimated: the coyote. These animals, commonly found in urban areas, can pose a significant threat, especially to pets and children. While they tend to steer clear of adult humans, their potential for aggression makes it crucial for pet owners and parents to remain vigilant.
Coyotes often target small pets left alone outside. Similarly, young children playing outdoors should always be supervised to avoid any unfortunate encounters with these animals. The Urban Coyote Research Project offers valuable tips on how to deal with coyotes. Feeding coyotes is a bad idea because it makes them less afraid of humans. If you encounter one, don’t run. Instead, stand your ground, make loud noises, shout, or throw something to scare it away.
Since coyotes are mostly active at night, it’s wise to keep pets indoors during these hours. Though rare, daytime sightings can happen, and these are particularly concerning because such coyotes might not fear humans, raising the risk of an attack.
Coyote attacks on humans are rare but not unheard of. A study reported around 160 attacks in the U.S. and Canada from the 1980s to 2003, with most victims being children. These incidents often occur during the breeding season, from March to August. A stark example of this danger unfolded in a Los Angeles neighborhood where a coyote had been lurking for months. The situation escalated when a 2-year-old girl was attacked by what was believed to be the same coyote last December.
On December 2, Ariel Eliyahuo had just brought his daughter Ariya home from daycare. While he was momentarily distracted, a coyote attacked Ariya in their yard. Recalling the incident to CNN, Eliyahuo said, “I heard Ariya scream. I thought she fell down. I ran immediately to see what was going on and I saw the coyote attack her. I picked her up in my arms and tried to make the coyote go away.”
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He managed to scare the coyote off by throwing a water bottle at it. After the attack, Ariya was rushed to the Emergency Room for treatment and rabies shots. Local authorities then began searching for the aggressive coyote, highlighting the ongoing need for caution and awareness in coyote-prone areas. Ariel Eliyahuo’s quick actions undoubtedly saved his daughter from a more severe injury.