2 coyotes euthanized after attack in Scottsdale

PHOENIX – Two coyotes were euthanized Wednesday after being captured in Scottsdale after a man walking his dog was attacked, wildlife officials said.

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the animals were removed from the area of ​​Thomas and Hayden Roads.

A third party notified authorities of the attack, in which a coyote got into a fight with the dog and bit the owner when he tried to intervene.

The caller also said that one or more coyotes had become increasingly aggressive toward people in the area in recent weeks.

The incident was the first reported attack.

Officials from the Department of Conservation will continue to monitor the area.

The coyotes were sent to a laboratory for rabies testing; results are pending.

“At this time of year, coyotes have young and may exhibit aggressive behavior when defending their dens, especially toward domestic dogs,” the AZGFD said in a news release. “Often, coyote dens are located near communities and populated areas where negative interactions can occur.”

Anyone wishing to report aggressive coyote behavior in the area is asked to call the AZGFD at 623-236-7201.

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