Surveillance Footage Captures Terrifying Chase as Urban Wildlife Encounters Rise
In a chilling incident that underscores the growing concerns about urban wildlife, a four-year-old girl in Portland, Oregon, narrowly escaped a pursuing coyote in her backyard. The harrowing encounter, captured on surveillance video, has sparked discussions about the increasing boldness of coyotes in urban areas and the potential risks to residents.
A close call in the backyard
The incident, which occurred on October 12, unfolded in the backyard of the Schmidt family home in Portland. Charlie Schmidt, the girl’s father, was working in the yard when the unexpected visitor appeared.
The surveillance footage reveals a heart-stopping sequence of events. The young girl runs into the frame, alerting her father: “There’s a coyote.” Initially skeptical, Schmidt responds with a dismissive “No!” However, as he turns, he sees the coyote in hot pursuit of his daughter.
Displaying remarkable composure, the four-year-old climbs onto a table, momentarily evading the predator. The coyote, thwarted, retreats from the backyard. Schmidt swiftly scoops up his daughter and rushes inside, as voices off-camera urgently shout, “Get inside!”
Fortunately, Schmidt reported that no one was injured in the frightening encounter.
Urban coyotes: A growing concern
This incident highlights a broader trend of coyotes becoming increasingly comfortable in urban environments. Experts from San Francisco Animal Care & Control note that while coyotes are not typically aggressive, urban populations are becoming less fearful of humans.
Wildlife biologist Dr. Jane Thompson explains, “Urban coyotes are used to human beings and their setting and are not as afraid of people. They are increasingly losing their fear of humans, especially because of human-animal interaction where people have been feeding them.”
Historical context of coyote attacks
While coyote attacks on humans remain rare, there have been concerning incidents in recent years. To date, only two fatal attacks have been confirmed: one involving three-year-old Kelly Keen in Glendale, California, and another claiming the life of nineteen-year-old singer-songwriter Taylor Mitchell in Nova Scotia, Canada.
The majority of reported attacks have occurred in the Los Angeles area, raising questions about the factors contributing to increased coyote-human conflicts in urban settings.
Protecting communities and wildlife
In light of this incident, local wildlife officials are urging residents to take precautions. Recommendations include avoiding feeding coyotes or leaving food sources accessible, supervising small children and pets when outdoors, securing trash and compost bins, and reporting aggressive coyote behavior to local animal control.
As urban areas continue to expand into natural habitats, finding ways to coexist safely with wildlife becomes increasingly crucial. The Portland incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of wildlife awareness and education in urban communities.
Portland Animal Control Officer Mark Johnson emphasizes the gravity of the situation: “We’re fortunate this encounter ended without injury. But it’s a wake-up call for all of us to be more mindful of our wild neighbors and take steps to prevent these situations from occurring.”
As communities grapple with the challenges of urban wildlife, incidents like the one in Portland highlight the need for ongoing dialogue and proactive measures to ensure the safety of both residents and animals in our ever-expanding cities.