Backyard Battle — Hero Saves Chihuahua By Choking Out Vicious Coyote
In a stunning display of bravery, Timothy Snipe of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, recently faced a harrowing ordeal. His quick actions saved his beloved dog, Roxie, from a potentially deadly coyote attack.
This extraordinary incident, captured on a home security camera, showcases the profound bond between humans and their pets and the lengths to which one might go to protect their furry family members.
Coyotes can easily jump over fences, posing a risk to dogs in enclosed yards.
Confrontation in the Backyard
The incident unfolded in the early hours of a weekend morning. Snipe, still in his red bathrobe, had let Roxie out for a bathroom break, reports Fox40 reports. Suddenly, a coyote, having jumped the fence into Snipe's yard, targeted the small dog.
“[Roxie] started barking, and I was like what is she barking at,” Snipe told Nexstar’s WCBD.
When he finally saw the approaching coyote, Roxie took off.
“Instead of running towards me, she ran towards the coyote," Snipe continued.
Small dogs are particularly vulnerable to coyote attacks due to their size.
The Struggle and Aftermath
Reacting instinctively, Snipe intervened. The coyote, initially attacking Snipe, bit him on the leg, WYFF reports. Undeterred, Snipe managed to wrestle and subdue the animal.
"The coyote jumped on me and bit me on my leg, and I wrestled it down, I choked him out," Snipe said.
Remarkably, he then managed to secure the coyote in a nearby dumpster.
Urban coyote populations are increasing, leading to more encounters with pets.
The aftermath of this encounter led to Snipe receiving nine rabies shots as a precaution. He later commented on his condition to Fox40.
"I'm feeling goood," he said..
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control tested the coyote for rabies, with Snipe hopeful for a negative result to avoid further medical procedures.
Coyote attacks can result in severe injuries or even be fatal for dogs.
Protecting Pets from Wildlife
This incident raises awareness about the risks pets face from wildlife, even in suburban areas. As KTLA reports, experts recommend making oneself appear large and loud in the face of a coyote encounter. Additionally, avoiding indirect feeding of these wild animals by leaving food outside is crucial in preventing such dangerous situations.
From now on, Roxie will be wearing a coyote-proof vest on outdoor excursions.
The Bond Between Owner and Pet
Reflecting on the event, Snipe expressed an unwavering commitment to Roxie's safety.
"Once you get a pet, they're automatically a part of the family, and this is my girl, this is our girl," he said.
From now on, Roxie will be wearing a coyote-proof vest on outdoor excursions, hopefully preventing any coyote attacks in the future.
Learn ore in the video below.
https://youtu.be/IljoBhISgS8?feature=shared
A Lesson in Courage and Care
Snipe's courageous act serves as a potent reminder of the deep bond between pets and their owners. It also highlights the need for awareness and preparedness in areas where wildlife encounters are common. This story is not just about a man and his dog but about the instinctual drive to protect those we love, no matter the species.
Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.