Rare Coyote Attack Injures N.H. Woman And Dog
GREENLAND, N.H. (CBS) -- A champion Chesapeake Bay Retriever named "Mack" is nursing his dozen or so wounds -- and the coyote got his owner on her leg and arm when she tried to intervene.
"Extremely rare," says New Hampshire Fish and Game Lt Mike Eastman.
So rare, the woman didn't think much when the coyote first appeared in her backyard Monday morning during the home stretch of Mack's normal walk -- until the wild animal charged at them.
"It circled her and the dog," Eastman said, "and then actually attacked the dog."
Her husband came running from the house when he heard his wife screaming -- first firing some shots in the air and then at the coyote.
But when the animal stood its ground, he ran it off with his pickup truck.
Coyotes are certainly a common sight in rural Greenland -- but attacks aren't -- and a hunt by Fish and Game officers couldn't locate Monday's culprit.
"It's possible the animal will show back up," Eastman said. "But it's possible it will not."
"Yeah it's nerve-racking," says neighbor Morgan McGuire. "Although I'm not too concerned about it."
Neighbors like McGuire have been urged to be wary, since the coyote attacked during the day -- in an open field.
That means fewer strolls with her puppy named "Henry."
"We'll stay close by and go out only when it's necessary rather than take leisurely walks," McGuire said.
Concern this coyote might be rabid sent "Mack's" owners to the hospital for rabies shots.
Both want to remain anonymous -- while warning town folk of the threat.
"A normal coyote would run instantly upon seeing a human being," Eastman said.
"Mack" -- by the way -- is getting high marks for protecting his owner -- but could do without a rematch.
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