as members of the Canidae family, coyotes share many features with close relatives like wolves, jackals, dogs and foxes. In fact, there has been a significant degree of hybridization throughout their evolutionary history. This is still present in the DNA of red and western wolves as well as eastern coyotes, the largest coyote species. These animals have lean bodies, thick fur and bushy tails. They also have yellow eyes and narrow, elongated snouts. Coyotes are about as large as a medium-sized dog, typically measuring over 3 to 4 feet from head to tail, with a weight of 20 to 50 pounds.

4 Natalia Petrellese In April, 2018, off-duty police officer Arcangelo Liberatore, his wife and their two young children were in a park in Thornwood, New York. Liberatore had finished his training for an upcoming fitness test and was relaxing with his family when they spotted a coyote entering the park. The animal made its way to the playground where it attacked 5-year-old Natalia Petrellese, biting her arm. The coyote then tried to drag her away. Liberatore quickly got his family to safety before turning back to help Natalia. Coyotes can be found in deserts, plains, forests and mountains, throughout North America, from Alaska, south through Mexico and into Central America. They vary in color and size depending on where they’re located. Coyotes living in mountain regions tend to have a darker coat than their dessert-dwelling counterparts. The largest subspecies live in eastern Canada and northeastern America. Coyotes are nocturnal predators and often hunt in pairs or packs to take down larger game. 3 Kelly Keen On August 26, 1981, as Cathy Keen was tending to some daily chores, she left her child in the living room of the family’s house in Glendale, California. Three-year-old Kelly Keen was watching children’s programs but at some point she let herself out the front door and stepped into the driveaway. It was then that she encountered an urban coyote. The animal took the toddler in its mouth and ran off, dragging her through the street. As previously mentioned, as coyotes move into areas populated by us the likelihood of attacks increases. In the US, between 1976 and 2006 there were at least 160 attacks and most of them took place in the LA County Area. Experts have confirmed that coyote attacks were the cause of at least two fatalities. As people intentionally or unintentionally feed these animals, their fear decreases and their predatory instincts begin to kick in. 2 Taylor Mitchell Taylor Mitchell was a rising star on the Canadian folk scene. She was also a nature lover and an environmentalist. On October 27, 2009, Mitchell decided to take a break between concerts and went on a hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Later that day a group of hikers found Mitchell’s personal items, including keys and a small knife, along one of the trails. As they headed through a clearing at the end of the trail they found torn pieces of bloodied clothing and a large amount of blood on the ground. Among some trees, they discovered Mitchell lying on the ground with a coyote standing over her. 1 Andrew Dickehage In October 2013, Colorado resident Andrew Dickehage was walking to work when attacked by three coyotes. It was Monday, before sunrise, when 22-year-old Andrew heard rustling in the brush behind him. Shortly afterwards, three coyotes emerged and took turns lunging at him. As the animals were biting and clawing at his arms, neck and face, Dickehage fought back. He knew that running wasn’t an option but he didn’t want to be taken down either. Dickehage assumed a wide stance and began using his flashlight as a club. It was still dark out so he couldn’t really see where the next attack was coming from. As soon as he felt one of the coyotes on him, he would hit it with the flashlight. After several minutes the animals retreated back into the woods. Dickehage survived with multiple puncture wounds, but none of them were life-threatening.

Author: mkmcst

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