The attacks happened in Greensboro but several Charlotte-area neighborhoods report recently spotting coyotes too.
NORTH CAROLINA, USA — The start of spring signals the middle of the mating season for coyotes. They’ve recently been spotted all across the Carolinas from Greensboro and Charlotte to Fort Mill.
Guilford County Animal Control reports six coyote attacks in just two days at Lake Brandt Park in Greensboro. Four people were bitten.
Biker Derik Broach says he was riding the trails when he noticed a coyote start to charge at him.
“He started running towards me and that was terrifying,” Broach said.
He used his bike as a shield and fortunately was not hurt in the attack, but he said he certainly felt the coyote’s threat and strength.
“He had very strong teeth and jaws because he just popped my tire like nothing.”
Neighbors in Charlotte and Fort Mill have recently taken to the NextDoor app to share their warnings about coyote sightings in the area too. In one case, Rachael Hudson says she came in contact with two coyotes while taking her dog out at night.
“First they looked like dogs because it was kind of hard to see, but she was very guarded — she was barking and growling,” Hudson said.
Thankfully she and her dog were not hurt. But wildlife experts say now during the breeding season you should not be surprised to see a coyote at any time — day or night.
It’s important you keep an eye specifically on your small pets. If you’re approached by a coyote, yell, wave your arms, or throw something.