Over the years, human expansion into wildlife habitats has led to increasingly frequent encounters with wild animals. Stories of bears rummaging through cars, opossums invading garages, and bats finding their way into attics are common. Recently, a family in Woodland Hills, California, experienced a terrifying run-in with a coyote.
In a TikTok video, Ariel Eliyahu, a father from Woodland Hills, is unpacking his car while his 2-year-old daughter is out of view on the other side of the dark SUV. The footage shows what initially appears to be a medium-sized dog walking behind the vehicle, followed by the sound of the little girl’s scream. As Eliyahuo moves around the car to check on his daughter, he discovers the coyote trying to carry her away.
The entire incident unfolds in seconds. Instantly, Eliyahuo grabs his daughter and holds her securely, running to safety. Despite his efforts, the coyote continues to advance, prompting him to throw a rock at the animal while he and his wife shout to scare it off.
As urban development encroaches upon natural habitats, predators like coyotes become more accustomed to human presence. Experts indicate that feeding coyotes increases attacks as these animals associate humans with food. Unlike domesticated dogs, coyotes are wild creatures, and feeding them in residential areas can lead to dangerous situations.
Fortunately, the girl survived the encounter with only a bite wound. Her mother, Shira Eliyahuo, told CBS Los Angeles, “I picked her up and laid her down, then noticed blood on her pants. When I removed them, I saw the injury on her leg.” The child required a series of rabies vaccinations and is now in the process of recovery.