San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Deputy, Locals Rescue Elderly Dog from Coyotes

A quick-thinking deputy and caring community members helped save a senior pup from a dangerous situation at Lake Nacimiento on November 3, 2025. 

Jagger, a 16-year-old dog, was trapped in the mud at Lake Nacimiento in Heritage Ranch in San Luis Obispo County, according to a social media post by the County Sheriff’s Office. Jagger was unable to free himself, and coyotes were closing in on him. 

A deputy on patrol who happened to be nearby responded immediately. He teamed up with residents who recognized Jagger from social media posts from the previous day. Together, they built a makeshift bridge and safely rescued the elderly dog. 

Today in Heritage Ranch a 16-year-old pup named Jagger found himself in a dangerous situation. He was stuck in the mud at Lake Nacimiento and coyotes were trying to get to him. Fortunately, a deputy on patrol was in the right place at the right time. With quick thinking and help… pic.twitter.com/8vrbnIZheS

— SLO County Sheriff (@SLOSheriff) November 4, 2025

The Sheriff’s Office said Jagger is now safely at his home, freshly bathed, and received plenty of treats and praise. 

The social media post included an image of the deputy and a muddy Jagger on the makeshift bridge. 

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff thanked the community’s involvement and the deputy’s prompt action in protecting all members of the county, even the four-legged ones. 

Heritage Ranch is a gated community near Lake Nacimiento in San Luis Obispo County, according to the ranch owners’ association website. Currently, there are 16 separate tracts with 2,091 single-family residential lots. 

Coyotes in California

Coyotes are a common sight along the central coast of California. According to the Los Padres Forest Watch, the California valley coyote (Canis latrans ochropus) is the subspecies most often found west of the Sierra Nevada. 

Coyotes are often mistaken for dogs and are one of the most adaptable animals that can alter their behavior to suit their surroundings. They usually travel alone or in packs and prey on rodents, small and large mammals, reptiles, and even birds. 

There are increasing reports of coyotes venturing into urban and rural communities as the animals expand their range. Most often, the response to this conflict is indiscriminate killing or forced removal, according to Project Coyote. 

Such removal methods are inhumane, ineffective, and fail to understand the well-being, behavior, and ecological value of coyotes, the organization added. 

Keeping Pets Safe from Coyotes

While coyotes are typically wary of humans, they can attack or transmit diseases to pets. The American Kennel Club offers the following tips to protect pets from coyotes: 

• Do not leave pets outside unsupervised. Ensure they are indoors, especially if there is no proper fencing around the house. 
• Keep dogs on a leash when walking them. Carry a whistle, bell, or horn to scare off coyotes. Pick up small dogs and make loud noises to deter attacks.
• Train your dog in case of coyote attacks. Teach your dog some helpful commands, such as a reliable recall, stay, and ignore distractions. 
• Fence your yard. Coyote-proof fencing should be at least six feet tall and buried in the ground at least 18 inches, since coyotes dig deep. At the top, consider putting barbed wire or an overhang on the outside of the fence. 
• Pick up pet waste. Cleaning up your pet’s waste in the yard can lower the risk of attracting a coyote. Garbage bins should be well secured.