When a breezy Sunday in an Arizona suburb turned into a wildlife scare, mother Brittany Cardinal acted quickly to protect her 4‑year‑old daughter. The family had gone outside to fly a kite when a coyote approached, nipping at the child and refusing to retreat.
Mom’s quick response
Cardinal said she immediately picked up her daughter, shouted at the animal, and tried to scare it away. When yelling proved ineffective, she grabbed a flip‑flop and swung it at the coyote, hoping the noise and motion would drive it off. The animal lunged, biting Cardinal on the face before she fell to the ground.
“I always hear people say you don’t feel the pain in a trauma like that,” Cardinal recalled, “but I really didn’t feel any pain – just the pressure of it.” She suffered lacerations and puncture wounds on her face, but both she and her daughter were able to retreat safely to their home.
Official response
Arizona Game and Fish Department officials responded promptly, removing several coyotes from the neighborhood and beginning rabies testing. Public affairs liaison Alex Flickinger said, “You fight back, you yell at the animal, be loud with it, throw rocks, whatever you have to do to get that animal to just run off.” He added that Cardinal followed recommended safety protocols for coyote encounters, noting that the bite was an unfortunate exception.
Flickinger emphasized the importance of staying vigilant in areas where coyotes have become accustomed to human presence. Residents are urged to keep pets leashed, avoid feeding wildlife, and secure food sources that might attract predators.
What families can do
Experts recommend several steps for families who encounter coyotes:
- Keep children and pets close and under direct supervision.
- Make loud noises, wave arms, and use objects like sticks or umbrellas to appear larger.
- Never run; instead, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact.
- Report sightings to local wildlife authorities so they can monitor and manage populations.
Cardinal’s experience serves as a reminder that even routine outdoor activities can turn dangerous when wildlife is involved. By acting decisively and following department guidance, she minimized harm to her child and helped authorities address the broader safety concern.
Community impact
The incident has sparked conversation among neighbors about wildlife management and the need for public education on coexisting with coyotes. Local homeowner associations are considering informational flyers and community meetings to discuss best practices and to reassure residents that proactive measures can keep families safe.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
