Coyote encounter normal?

Question

Hey I just move to AZ a few weeks ago. I live in a neighborhood that is next to the wash (the wash is literally my back yard) and only has a few houses. The only animals we have seen are non venomous snakes, quail and lizards, nothing too serious. Well today I was walking my boxer mix puppy and we came out of a tunnel on one of the trails we had never been on and when we came out of the tunnel, there were 2 coyotes standing there. I froze and my heart leaped cause this is my first encounter with them. Of course my puppy started barking and her hackles went up and I just stood there in shock. The coyotes just stood there too but lowered their heads and their hackles started slightly going up too. I turned around and calmly started walking back towards my house and they hung out for a second then when I looked back they were following us. I was actually afraid they were going to hurt us. They stopped following about 30 feet from my house. Is this normal for them to do?

Answer 1

they were telling you to back off. they behave like the meercats.

Answer 2

I think that they were curious because of your puppy. I doubt that they would hurt you but they have been known for attacking babies in backyards. If you want to walk but are scared to, go purchase a can of mace. That'll  help keep them away if they get to close.

Answer 3

Yes. And you are lucky. I live in a Michigan Suburb. A coyote recently ran out of a small woods and bit a bicyclist. Neighbors called Animal Control and DNR to come trap and release it far away. Unfortunately the coyote is at home and is being pushed out but we can't have it attacking people. It's all too bad.

Answer 4

I live in California and coyote encounters are extrememly common!  (Even in residential areas)  Also, I work as a wildlife biologist and come across them pretty much on a daily basis and have never had any get agressive or even appear to be a potential threat.  I am actually a lot more wary of stray dogs I encounter than coyotes.  Strays are much more unpredictable.  Coyotes are basically no harm at all  to an adult human, but they can be a threat to your pet.  If you are with your dog..your dog is safe, but you should not let your dog roam unattended, even in your own yard if coyotes frequent your area (especially at dusk or dark, when they are most likely to be out hunting).  There are LOTS of coyote attacks here in California of cats and small dog breeds (puppies are at risk due to small size), and to tell you the truth the reason the attacks are so common  is that people do NOT take it seriously and take NO precautions with their pets.  I suggest you supervise your puppy when outside until he is grown.  Coyotes do not usually mess with full grown large breed dogs.  Your average  (western) coyote only weighs in at about 30lbs, so they can only really be a threat to small animals.  If you are cautious..you and your puppy should be just fine.