MESA, ARIZONA: In a harrowing incident in a Mesa neighborhood near Power and Guadalupe roads, a 4-year-old girl named Blair was attacked by a coyote while playing in her front yard.
However, the story took a heroic turn when a neighbor, Greg Bair, intervened to protect his community from the aggressive coyote.
Wild coyote snuck into Mesa neighborhood during daytime
The young girl, Blair, was bitten on the hip during the coyote attack around 9 am in the morning. Her father acted swiftly, rushing her to a nearby urgent care center, and reports indicate that she will recover from the ordeal. But Blair wasn't the only target of this brazen coyote.
Greg Bair, a resident who lives just around the corner, was tending to his garden when he found himself in a dangerously close encounter with the aggressive coyote. His quick thinking and courageous actions came to the forefront as he yelled and even sprayed the animal with a hose in an attempt to deter it.
Recalling his encounter, Bair described it as "pretty intimidating because I had no defense. I had nothing. I didn't have a stick. I had nothing. And so I thought somehow in my mind that I'd go get the hose, so I got the hose."
Despite his efforts, the coyote persisted, edging closer, posing a significant threat to the community.
Police pursuit ends in coyote's death
Mesa police officers responded promptly, launching a pursuit of the coyote that led them through nearby neighborhoods. After an hour-long chase, the officers located the coyote near a canal close to 72nd Street and Guadalupe Road. In an effort to ensure the safety of the residents, the coyote was ultimately shot and killed by an officer.
Blair herself captured a photograph of the deceased coyote, marking a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has joined the investigation, and the coyote's remains will be tested for rabies. ”"We also collected the small child’s clothes so when we get that DNA information, hopefully make a match and confirm we’ve gotten the offending coyote,” said Alexandra Flickinger, an officer with the AGFD, ABC reports.
Aftermath of coyote encounter
Meanwhile, Blair took the prescribed rabies shots, a necessity to safeguard her health. Despite the frightening experience, her father noted that the administration of the shots was the only moment that brought tears to her eyes.
This incident occurred in a relatively new housing development that was once open farmland. As construction continues to expand in the area, concerns have arisen regarding individuals who may be feeding the wild animals, which can lead to more frequent coyote sightings.
However, attacks of this nature are rare, and the incident has raised awareness about the importance of vigilance and safety in the neighborhood. ”We tell people who live in areas where they frequently see coyotes to carry a walking stick,” said Flickinger.
