Close Encounter with a Coyote in Pasadena
A young boy in Pasadena, California, was left screaming for his mother after a coyote chased him outside their home on Monday. The incident was captured on surveillance cameras, showing 3-year-old Salvo Bessemer in a state of fear as he encountered the animal, as reported by ABC 7.
His parents were understandably taken aback by the event. Salvo’s mother, Ida Svelte, shared her thoughts: “The monkey went out the gate before me, like he always does. Then I heard a scream, and he ran back. He grabbed my leg, and that’s when I saw a huge coyote and screamed.”
The video revealed the coyote acting without hesitation. As Salvo approached the house, another scream echoed, prompting the animal to retreat out of camera sight.
Svelte expressed her concern, saying she feared her child could have been bitten if she hadn’t been present at the time.
Speaking to ABC 7, Svelte noted that while it’s common to see coyotes in their area, this encounter was far too close for comfort. “We’ve seen them around, usually on the streets, but I never thought one would chase a kid. They’re more often just after smaller animals like Chihuahuas or rabbits,” she explained, adding that this particular coyote seemed larger and more threatening.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife indicates that coyotes are native to the region, thriving in various environments. According to their information, these animals are clever, social, and adaptable. They typically avoid humans but can become conditioned to non-natural food sources.
Meanwhile, Kevin McManus from Pasadena Humane mentioned that coyotes are currently more active due to breeding season.
In a related note, reports surfaced about a prior incident where two children were injured by a coyote attack in San Diego, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with these encounters.
