SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Coyotes are common among those running or golfing in the neighborhood near the intersection of Thomas and Hayden roads.
However, the Arizona Department of Fish and Game is concerned after a man walking his dog was bitten by a coyote in the Scottsdale neighborhood.
What do neighbors say about coyotes?
On any given day, you’ll likely find Tom Lesietre at Coronado Golf Course.
“They usually walk around, very nice coyotes,” Lesietre said. “I’ve seen them here at least 30 times and I haven’t felt threatened by them.”
Another neighbor, Ashley, has numerous videos of the coyotes hanging out nearby.
She never had any problems and her dog Jayda even played with them.
“We’ve seen the coyotes walking around and having fun. But they don’t do anything. They just lay down next to the golfers. I haven’t had any complaints,” she said.
Game and Fish concerned about attack
The most recent attack caught the attention of the Arizona Department of Fish and Game.
A witness reported a coyote attack that resulted in a man being bitten.
It all started when his dog and a coyote got into a fight and the man had to intervene. That’s when he was bitten.
“We’ve had reports of incidents, of close encounters,” said Darren Julian, urban wildlife specialist for Arizona Game and Fish.
He says this is the time of year when coyotes have young puppies and are more likely to display aggressive behavior toward dogs and people.
“Game and Fish officers were on site to do a side visit and check out this location. My officer was actually on site and saw a woman – walking alone – walking through the area near the area where the den was located and observe a coyote, you know, head down and approaching the woman,” Julian said.
Determining a threat to the safety of the den, the two identified coyotes were removed and euthanized.
Rabies test results are still awaited.
And now?
Joggers like Zach Coleman say it’s now dawning on them.
“It’s a little scary, you know, a little shocking. But at the same time, I’m not too surprised because I’ve heard of coyotes in the area,” Coleman said.
Game and Fish emphasizes that it is never acceptable to feed animals and asks anyone who knows or has seen this behavior occurring to notify the department.
Contact information for Arizona Game and Fish is listed on their website or through their phone number at 602-942-3000.
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