Seattle couple chases after coyote that took off with their beloved dog

SEATTLE — Chia, a 10-year-old Shih Tzu poodle mix who lives in Seattle, is lucky to be alive. 

The worst injuries were under her neck,” said owner Naria Santa Lucia. “None of her organs were injured, liked a total miracle.”

Last Wednesday, a coyote got into Santa Lucia's yard in the Magnolia neighborhood and attacked Chia. It took off with her in its mouth, running down the street. 

A neighbor saw it happen and alerted both John and Naria Santa Lucia. They jumped in their car and chased after the coyote. 

“The coyote was actually not too far down, still holding Chia,” John said. “We honked the horn, shinned bright lights on the dog and the coyote dropped her … and Naria scooped her up.” 

Chia was rushed to Veterinary Emergency Group in Interbay for emergency treatment. She had 11 puncture wounds and two broken ribs. Chia will survive, but she is still very shaken up. 

The Santa Lucias posted to Nextdoor to warn others. Hundreds of people commented and many shared their own stories of coyote encounters. 

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) tracks reported coyote attacks. They say coyotes are common in many larger, wooded green spaces and city parks, especially at night and early morning. 

At nearby Discovery Park, there are signs posted at parking lots to alert people there are coyotes inside the park grounds. 

If you ever encounter a coyote, WDFW says don't run. The recommend people to stand tall, be loud and don't be afraid to throw things. 

“The more you haze the coyotes and make sure that they're not welcome in the areas that that people are the less likely they are going to attack. So you're better off as a community,” John said. 

WDFW also said reports of coyotes in the city and suburban areas can be sent to community science programs like Woodland Park Zoo’s Carnivore Spotter. 

“Coyotes can benefit humans and ecosystems by helping control populations of mice, rats, voles, moles, and rabbits,” WDFW said in a statement. 

If you witness a coyote attack on supervised pets or backyard chickens, WDFW encourages you to report it to WDFW Police officers. 

You can call 360–902–2936, email WILDCOMM@dfw.wa.gov, or by report online. If there is an immediate public safety issue or attack on a person, call 911 right away.