Arizona Game and Fish officials said they are getting calls daily of coyote sightings.
LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. — It's summer in Arizona and that means wildlife is out looking for easy access to food and water. That can make people's pets an easy target.
Arizona Game and Fish warns of rising coyote encounters in the Valley
In the video, you can hear her yell at the coyotes multiple times to leave but one is seen approaching her multiple times. It happened at the Bullard Wash Trail near Indian School Road and Wigwam Boulevard. The woman said she and her dog were able to get away safely and reported the situation to Arizona Game and Fish.
Another video taken in south Phoenix shows another pack of coyotes easily hop onto a fence and into someone's backyard. Alex Flickinger with Arizona Game and Fish said they are getting reports of coyote sightings on a regular basis all over the Valley.
“They range anywhere from just sighting of one out and about, to instances where they're coming and approaching people or getting a little bit too close for comfort,” Flickinger said.
Coyotes and other wildlife are more likely to roam either in the early morning or at night while temperatures are cooler, Flickinger said. If you come across one coyote or a pack, Flickinger said people should not run away or turn their back to them.
“You want to kind of stand your ground and do what you can to get that animal to retreat,” she said.
She recommended people start yelling as loud as they can and try to make themselves look big. She also said throwing rocks or other items near you at the animals can also help deter them.
“Pretty much just wanting to haze them and intimidate them,” Flickinger said. “Let them know that you are the dominant species.”
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