Coyote sightings are becoming more common in the Twin Cities. Here's what to do if you encounter one
It was a close call for a western Twin Cities metro family and their pets when their two dogs came face-to-face with a coyote right in their backyard.
Tuesday morning, like any other, Graham Brown let his two corgis, Koko and Pickles, out into the backyard. He was alerted when the dogs started barking at something on the opposite side of the fence.
He saw two dogs, one coyote and a stare down that could've gone sideways in seconds.
"That was enough for me to get out there as fast as I could to chase the thing away," Brown said.
Reacting quickly, Brown grabbed a bucket and sprinted towards the dogs. He said he was surprised that the coyote did not move until he got close; the coyote was focused on the dogs rather than Brown.
Brown and his family have lived in their Wayzata neighborhood for three years. They say hearing and seeing wildlife is not unusual, but Tuesday's encounter was far scarier.
"A coyote is the one we were most worried about," he said.
Thanks to Brown's quick thinking, he was able to protect the dogs, but says the close call is a reminder to keep a close eye on his pets.
Officials say encounters like these have increased in Wayzata and surrounding cities, according to city officials in Wayzata.
Wildlife experts say sightings are normal this time of year, with mating season from January to the end of March, making awareness and preparation even more important.
Here's what to do if you encounter a coyote:
- Make a lot of noise
- Make yourself look bigger
- Supervise small pets outdoors
- Never run from a coyote
For more information on coyote safety, click here.