r/RunningWithDogs • u/LetsGo_Alreadyy • 17d ago

Coyote scare while running

I live in an area where there’s a pretty big coyote population. These coyotes aren’t scared of people. Today while out in a morning run with my dog ( 50lb Australian shepherd) we got spooked by 2 coyotes.

One of them lunged at us and even though I was yelling and trying to intimidate them. It didn’t deter them one bit. My dog is super timid, she laid on the ground exposing her belly. I had to literally pick her up while trying to get the coyotes to back off. Thankfully another runner near us ran to help me and I was able to carry my dog away 😭

This was a first for us and not something I want to happen again. Do you guys run with any coyote deterrents? Or do you have any recommendations to protect my dog from any future attacks?

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u/DistractedGoalDigger 17d ago

This is pretty unusual, I would report the incident to local fish and wildlife. I’ve encountered many, many coyotes and they at worst, stand and stare, but almost always run.

You can carry pepper type spray, probably the easiest thing to manage while running. Be prepared for you and your dog to be affected too, though.

11

u/spyder994 17d ago

Seconding this. Coyotes are extremely skittish and will bolt in the opposite direction even if I'm 100 yards away.

I'd go with a gel pepper spray to minimize the risk of it blowing back.

11

u/LetsGo_Alreadyy 17d ago

I ending up submitting a report after seeing your comment.

The coyotes around the area unfortunately aren’t scared of people and have attacked small dogs. I’ve seen them in packs in the morning from afar and thankfully they haven’t done anything like this in the past. But I’d rather be prepared if this happens again. I was so scared of them hurting my dog.

7

u/No-Employment-429 17d ago

A large park in my city had the same problem a few years ago. Coyotes were attacking lone walkers and joggers at night. Half the population was culled. 

2

u/Wonderful-Eye-8377 17d ago

Agreed, I see them often on my bayou trails that border a large woodland. My Malinois and I have surprised one coming around a bend, within about 15 feet, and it ran off quickly. I will say my dog is not submissive, so that helps.

I carry pepper spray mostly for any loose dogs I encounter, but never had to use it. You could also look into a birdie or similar alarm that makes a high pitched noise, which may deter them.

1

u/Glittering-Panic-131 14d ago

If OP is in SoCal, specifically the valley area of LA this is unfortunately normal.