LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A coyote bit a woman walking in Henderson on Friday morning, a repeat of a similar attack that occurred on Sunday, July 7, according to wildlife officials.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife issued an alert Friday about coyote activity in Pittman Wash near Green Valley Parkway in Henderson. Authorities are advising people in the area to exercise more caution following reports of bites.
The woman bitten on Friday and another woman bitten on Sunday had puncture wounds to their lower legs and went to the hospital for treatment.
“Coyote attacks are extremely rare and usually involve feeding activity. It is possible that these bites are related to protective behavior associated with denning sites,” according to Claire Clarke, Urban Wildlife Education Coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) in Southern Nevada.
Clarke said pet owners should keep their dogs on a leash and under control when walking along the washed trails.
If you see a coyote, NDOW recommends:
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Do not run.
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Make yourself look as big as possible.
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Make loud noise by shouting, blowing a whistle, or using another noise-making device.
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Throw rocks or other objects at them.
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Stand firm, but do not corner the animal.
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Don’t feed them.
Pittman Wash, which has a popular hiking trail, is a natural waterway that is now part of the Las Vegas Valley flood control network.
Nevada Department of Wildlife rangers are investigating the incidents and monitoring coyote activity in the area. Anyone who encounters coyotes exhibiting aggressive behavior while visiting the area is encouraged to notify the department by calling 800-992-3030 or 775-688-1331.
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