BOUNTIFUL, Utah (ABC 4 News) – A pack of wild coyotes recently circled a Bountiful out walking her dogs along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. One wildlife expert tells ABC 4 other dog owners shouldn’t be concerned, but there is reason to be cautious.
If you've ever been attacked by a coyote you can comprehend what happened to Sheryl Allred of Bountiful.
"All of the sudden coyotes came from everywhere," said Sheryl Allred, surrounded by coyotes.
Last month Allred was walking her two dogs along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Davis County when she said a pack of coyotes surrounded them.
"They weren't scared of you at all?” asked ABC 4 Reporter Brian Carlson.
“No, it's almost like they were laughing at me," said Allred.
But Allred didn't think it was funny, she thought her dogs were going to die.
"I think my dogs could be doomed and then I started thinking you know what I don't have any weapons, so if these coyotes are not scared of me and they decide that I look like something they want to eat, I could be had," said Allred.
Fortunately for Allred the coyotes backed off. But wildlife expert John Shivik with Utah's Department of Natural Resources said right now it's not unusual for bold coyotes to try and protect their terrain.
"January, February, March is when they're breeding and guarding their territory," said John Shivik, Mammal Coordinator, Utah Dept. of Natural Resources.
If coyotes come after you and your dog, what should you do? Shivik said if your dog is small enough pick it up, do it, then make yourself big, you can even throw sticks at them. The key is not to panic, then slowly back away.
If you ask Allred, she's hoping doesn't have to deal with the coyotes again.
"It was a little adventurous,” said Allred.
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Follow Brian Carlson: @tv_briancarlson
