In north Phoenix, three individuals were reportedly recently attacked by coyotes in separate happenings.
On Monday, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reported that two individuals had been bitten on the prior Saturday; one was a 4-year-old who had been taking a stroll with their family, and the other was a man who had been out running.
Early Monday, a man in the vicinity south of Happy Valley Road close to Interstate 17 was nipped by a coyote on the heel.
All those affected were given medical care and immunizations against rabies.
According to wildlife officials, the exact number of animals involved in biting incidents that took place in and around Norterra is not known. Wildlife officials have noted that 28 coyote attacks have been documented across the Phoenix metropolitan area in the last two and a half decades.
On Sunday, wildlife officers from the Game and Fish Department captured one coyote and are continuing to patrol the area for more.
Posters warning of potential danger have been distributed in the vicinity. Surveillance of the region is being conducted with I-17 to the west, 19th Avenue to the east, Pinnacle Peak Road to the south, and Jomax Road to the north as the boundaries.
If a coyote is spotted, what should you do?
If a coyote is spotted, it is recommended to contact Arizona Game and Fish at 623-236-7201, or dial 911 in the event of any urgent situation.
Coyotes are usually not aggressive towards humans. When they come close to residential areas they are often searching for sources of food, water, or shelter.
The Arizona Game and Fish website presents the following as strategies for managing any encounters with coyotes:
- Remain in the vicinity and avoid turning your back; the coyote may take it as a sign to give chase.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Make a lot of noise by banging on something or shaking cans stuffed with rocks inside.
- Waving your hands or items such as sticks and brooms can also be effective.
- Throwing small stones can also serve as a deterrent.
- Repellents like Mace can be used on more confident animals that refuse to leave the area.
- Move towards people, a building or a busier area.