Coyote attacks person trying to stop it from fighting their dog, Arizona officials say
.jpg "A coyote (not the one pictured) attacked a person in Scottsdale, Arizona, wildlife officials said.")
A coyote attacked a person who was trying to break up a fight between the wild animal and their dog, wildlife officials said.
The person was walking near Thomas and Hayden roads in Scottsdale, the Arizona Game and Fish Department said in a May 23 news release.
A coyote got “into an altercation with the dog,” so the owner tried to stop the fight, officials said.
That’s when the coyote “nipped” the person, officials said.
Another person reported the incident to wildlife officials and said they had seen “one or more coyotes” acting aggressively toward people in the area recently.
However, this was the first report of an attack with a coyote, wildlife officials said.
Wildlife officers went to the area Wednesday, May 22, and found two coyotes, officials said.
The animals were euthanized and are being tested for rabies, officials said.
The wildlife agency did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for more information on May 24.
What are the signs of a rabid animal?
Rabies is a viral infection that can be transmitted to animals and humans, according to the National Park Service.
When animals become infected with rabies, they can lose their fear of humans and appear sleepy, confused or aggressive, officials said.
An animal may also drool more, have trouble moving, look paralyzed or bite at the air, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Some animals don’t show any signs of the virus, the CDC said.
What to know about coyotes
Coyotes can be found almost anywhere in North America, including in cities and neighborhoods, according to National Geographic.
“Adaptability—that’s the main reason for the success of the coyote. A coyote is naturally adaptable because it eats such a wide range of food,” National Geographic reported. “If it can’t find mice or voles to eat, lizards, insects, or even garbage will do.”
Here’s how experts say you can avoid conflicts with coyotes:
Don’t feed coyotes: Feeding a coyote in a residential neighborhood can cause the animal to lose its fear of people.
Don’t let pets run loose: If coyotes live nearby, don’t let pets out without a leash.
Don’t run from a coyote: Instead, you should shout, wave your arms or throw something in its direction.
Don’t haze or aggravate a calm coyote: If the animal is avoiding humans and pets, leave it alone.
Report aggressive coyotes: If the coyote doesn’t show fear toward humans, let wildlife officials know.
This story was originally published May 24, 2024 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Coyote attacks person trying to stop it from fighting their dog, Arizona officials say."
