Game and Fish removes two coyotes from Scottsdale neighborhood after attack

Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife officers removed two coyotes from near Thomas and Hayden roads in Scottsdale Wednesday evening after receiving reports of an attack on a person walking their dog.

According to a news release, a third person reported that the coyote got into an altercation with the dog and the owner was nipped by the coyote when he tried to intervene. The reporting person said that one or more coyotes had been increasingly aggressive toward people in the area over the past few weeks, but that this was the first attack.

Officials from the Ministry of Nature Conservation were on site and are actively monitoring the situation.

Coyotes that have attacked or acted aggressively toward people are considered a public safety threat, and the agency has taken action to remove them. The two adult coyotes that were removed were euthanized and sent to a lab for rabies testing. Test results are pending.

The public is advised to be aware of their surroundings and keep wildlife at a distance. This is the time of year when coyotes have young and may display aggressive behavior in defending their dens, especially toward domestic dogs. Coyote dens are often located near communities and populated areas where there is a risk of negative interactions.

To report aggressive coyote behavior in the area, call the AZGFD at 623-236-7201. In an emergency, call 911.

Coyote attacks on humans occur and can be serious. For information on avoiding conflict with coyotes, visit https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/.