Residents on edge after coyote attacks dog, approaches toddler in Irvington
IRVINGTON, New York (WABC) -- A coyote that dug under a six-foot fence and attacked a family dog last Friday evening has left some Irvington residents shaken after two frightening encounters in the neighborhood.
Becky, a dog injured in the attack, is recovering from multiple injuries. Her owner, Erin Reddy, said she fought to drive the animal away.
"She has 16 different puncture wounds between the different grips. Because every time I was chasing it and moving it around, I think it was repositioning its grip," Reddy said.
Reddy said the coyote got into her backyard by burrowing under the fence. She spent several minutes throwing toys and rocks at it as it held onto Becky.
"Eventually the coyote then dragged my dog down the hill where it kind of just changed and it's still biting her and changing its grip," she said.
Reddy believes the coyote finally released Becky after being startled by approaching police sirens. But the dog attack wasn't the only encounter that night.
Earlier, the same animal may have approached the 2-year-old son of resident Jia Altman as he played in their driveway. Altman said she initially mistook the coyote for a dog.
"I picked him up, and I was holding him, and it kept trying to get closer. So I had him in one arm, his bike in the other arm was like swinging the bike, trying to get this thing to back off. Unfazed. It was just standing there staring at us," Altman said. "Obviously wanted to keep trying to get closer."
Altman said her large dog eventually scared the coyote away. Police were unable to locate the animal that night. Reddy said it was spotted again in the neighborhood the following day, but there have been no sightings since.
"I don't feel safe having her in my backyard. My son has relocated all of his baseball equipment inside and refuses to come out. And it's been sleeping in our bed because they're hearing the coyotes on the loose," Reddy said.
The Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department has also received increased reports of coyote activity, including more daytime sightings.
Officials say such behavior is typical during pupping season, when adult coyotes hunt more frequently to feed their offspring and may act more protective.
While increased activity is normal, authorities advise residents to be cautious if a coyote appears unafraid of humans, approaches people or pets, or shows signs of illness or injury.
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