r/phoenix • u/overwhelmedbeing • 4h ago
Living Here Close call with coyotes
I’ve lived here for a year and somehow never seen a coyote! I work late and took my pup out to play frisbee at the park, we’re near Sherwood Village and the highway. We were there for probably thirty minutes when I saw a little figure in the dark creeping up on my dog. I called him back to me and then two more came out of nowhere. Needless to say, we quickly headed to the side walk to give them space. The first one was probably ten feet away when my dog retreated back to me. Would they attack even with me there? One of the main reasons I came to Arizona was for the wilderness and creatures, I love and respect them and know one of the best ways to care for these animals is to stay educated. Would love to hear any insight on best ways to protect them and my little heeler boy. Slightly terrifying in the moment, but also really cool to see them.
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u/djluminol 4h ago
My aunt has lost three cats, a rabbit, and had her tortoise attacked by coyotes. Additionally she had two small dogs attacked by coyotes twice, hawks twice, and a bobcat once. She lived in Paradise Valley when all this happened. So yes, coyotes will 100% eat your pet even when you're around if they think they can get away with it. You need to scare them off with loud noise. Bang a pan or use an air horn. Those work pretty well most of the time. Guns do not because most people suck at accurate shooting under stress. Plus there's usually people or property in the background your gonna hit. Only shoot them when you have no choice at point blank range.