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Wile E. Coyote
updated: Jun 27, 2012, 10:17 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

Did anyone else encounter a crazed coyote on the jesusita trail yesterday? It chased us and our dogs. Anyone know what to do if you encounter a coyote that lunges toward you?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 291878	2012-06-27 10:23 AM
Give it its space. It could well have been a mother with a den of pups to protect, for all you (or any of us) know.
COMMENT 291884P	2012-06-27 10:25 AM
It's also a good idea to make a call and report the encounter to animal control...just in case of rabies.
COMMENT 291888	2012-06-27 10:30 AM
always carry your ACME device with the brand name prominently displayed.
COMMENT 291890	2012-06-27 10:32 AM
Agree with 878 that you should first give the coyote space. However, don't be foolish. Coyotes DO carry rabies and you should bring a walking stick with you in case a truly rabid animal comes at you. Obviously, to be used only in self defense as a very last resort in very extreme circumstances. usually if you leave the area, the animal will retreat. But not always.
COMMENT 291893	2012-06-27 10:39 AM
Rabies, or pups sounds possible. Anytime a coyote gets into your personal space (stick range) feel justified to swing away.
COMMENT 291894	2012-06-27 10:40 AM
888 Haha!
COMMENT 291897	2012-06-27 10:45 AM
Well, it IS the time for young pups so don't assume it's rabies. Give the wildlife space, as we're in THEIR area, not the other way around.
COMMENT 291900	2012-06-27 10:48 AM
remember you are in THEIR home & Respect them.
COMMENT 291904	2012-06-27 10:53 AM
Check this out - coincidence? Three Rare Coyote Attacks Occur Within 10 Days Spark Worries Headline on ABC News
COMMENT 291912P	2012-06-27 11:04 AM
leave the coyotes alone. sheesh
COMMENT 291932	2012-06-27 11:31 AM
Was there an ACME crate nearby?! :)
COMMENT 291940	2012-06-27 11:41 AM
Bath salts!!!!
COMMENT 291964	2012-06-27 12:12 PM
291888, Best laugh I've had in a while! Thanks.
COMMENT 291979	2012-06-27 12:31 PM
And keep your dogs on a leash on the trail.
COMMENT 291982	2012-06-27 12:41 PM
Shoot it.
COMMENT 291983	2012-06-27 12:42 PM
So I shouldn't hike Jesusita with my minature dachshunds?
COMMENT 292003	2012-06-27 01:22 PM
I hiked that trail early yesterday morning and I could hear it yelping/barking in the bushes alpng the creek about half a mile from the trailhead by the water district. It stopped when it heard me going by on the trail and I didn't want to try and get too close so I left it alone. I did see a lot of other people hiking and jogging though and I didn't hear it on the way back down. On a related note I have seen quite a few rattlesnakes on that trail as well as coyotes and I am always surprised at how bold people are as far as letting their dogs run up ahead of them.
COMMENT 292045	2012-06-27 02:31 PM
It almost certainly had pups and probably felt threatened by your dogs, especially if they were running off leash and got too close. Far and away the most likely explanation at this time of year. Back off and you should be fine, even better to keep your dogs under control and in sight in the first place, both for the sake of wildlife and your dogs. Rattlesnakes are pretty common on that trail.
COMMENT 292164	2012-06-27 05:56 PM
I always hike armed. If it came at me I'd drop a 185 grain round between it's eyes.
COMMENT 292199	2012-06-27 06:58 PM
Carry a gun. Nothing says stop like a hydrashok to the skull. I never go back packing without a firearm.
COMMENT 292202	2012-06-27 07:21 PM
Please make sure I'm not in the line of fire. I'll be the trail runner with his headphones on enjoying the day and not thinking i'm going to get a bullet for my troubles.
COMMENT 292250	2012-06-28 06:49 AM
Why hike at all if you have to have a gun to comfort your imaginary fears? Walk somewhere where you think you will be safe.
COMMENT 292258	2012-06-28 07:11 AM
2199.... "backpacking"? Jesusita is a senior citizen friendly trail. What do you need a gun for? To keep the little old ladies from grabbing at your studly muffin? Heheh I agree with 2250, if you need a gun for protection while hiking you're better off staying home playing your video games as you're likely to hurt someone or get yourself hurt.
COMMENT 292287	2012-06-28 08:08 AM
Kick it's jaw as hard as you can. I guarantee it will run away whimpering. Another option if it's a male, grab it by the nuts and sqeeze as hard as you can. It won't want to have anything to do with you after that.
COMMENT 292318	2012-06-28 09:05 AM
Make the sound, "Tsssizzz" and then say "Sit". I saw it on the Animal Channel last night. Ceasar says it's not the coyotes that need training, it's their owners...
COMMENT 292354	2012-06-28 10:35 AM
OH geez calm down, this is a coyote. Turn around, go back to you car, drive out of the canyon to your apartment and drink a glass of wine.
COMMENT 292360	2012-06-28 10:47 AM
@ 003 I hike that trail regularly with my dogs off leash for the purpose of them being up ahead of me IN CASE there is a snake.
OLDLAWOMAN	2012-06-28 11:01 AM
Just don't go there in the first place. Lake Los Carneros has a Turtle Bridge to enjoy, and lovely trails with lovely people about. Go there instead. There may be some wildlife there, too, but you're more likely not to be disturbed by them. Enjoy!
COMMENT 292385	2012-06-28 11:49 AM
@ 888, very clever. I wish I had thought of it first... so next time, go hiking with a large safe to drop on the coyote. Or even better, bring a roadrunner to outsmart it.
COMMENT 292454	2012-06-28 03:47 PM
maybe that coyote thought YOU were the "crazed" one... after all, can't you smell the pheremones telling all animals that she has pups there?
CORKY	2012-06-29 03:24 PM
Have your dog run ahead in case there is a snake? What about the dog?

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