Mesa Dog Defies Odds After Coyote Attack, Experts Warn of Rising Risks This Summer

MESA, Ariz. — An 11-year-old dog named Luigi narrowly escaped a life-threatening encounter with a coyote last week. Angela Marino, the dog’s owner, reported the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. when her brother let Luigi outside to relieve himself.

Within moments, Marino heard her dog yelping for help. When she rushed outside, she saw Luigi caught in the jaws of a coyote. “He had him in his mouth for a good 20 seconds before he took off,” she recounted.

Following the attack, Luigi sustained serious injuries. He required emergency surgery and now has approximately 30 stitches around his neck. “He had quite a bit of damage done,” Marino said, relieved that he is now recovering.

The presence of wildlife is commonplace in Marino’s neighborhood near University Drive and Recker Road. She noted that a neighbor recently spotted a rattlesnake in her yard, and two coyotes were seen roaming nearby just days prior to the attack.

This alarming experience has heightened Marino’s concern for her community. “There’s a lot of old people here,” she expressed. “Many of them have little pets.”

Danielle Hinderliter, an education specialist at Wildlife World Zoo, explained that as summer heats up, wildlife activity tends to increase, particularly during dawn and dusk. “We need to keep a close eye on all pets, especially smaller animals, because they’re an easy target,” Hinderliter warned.

To protect pets from predators such as coyotes and mountain lions, Hinderliter recommends several measures. Installing tall fencing can serve as a barrier, while removing food and water left outside can reduce attractants. She also advises trimming vegetation that might provide cover for wildlife. Additionally, motion-activated lights and sounds can effectively scare off aggressive animals.

“Loud sounds tend to scare them off, and bright lights can really deter them,” Hinderliter added.