A coyote in Phoenix learned the hard way that an adopted stray cat named Sunny didn’t appreciate its intrusion onto its turf.
The Koeller family captured the encounter on surveillance video of their side yard. Around 2 a.m., the coyote came into the area. That’s when the 5-year-old cat sprang into action like a whirlwind.
As you can see in the video below, the coyote began creeping around, stalking for food. Occasionally, coyotes take small cats and dogs if they can get them. However, a fearless Sunny is clearly a force to be reckoned with.
Images via YouTube/FOX10
Without any trace of hesitation, the black and white cat launched a full-out assault on the coyote. In fear, the coyote fled, barking as it ran away. However, the unperturbed cat kept following along, ready for more action if this coyote didn’t get the message.
Cat with the Koeller family via FOX10
A Street Cat/Whirlwind Named Sunny
According to FOX10, the Koeller family adopted Sunny as a stray kitten, but he retained his “street cat” ways.
Often, the cat likes to prowl around the house at night.
“He loves to be on the rooftop and scan for predators,” said Kelli Koeller. “And, he’s just constantly on the lookout. I have no idea how he does it,” she said proudly.
However, Koeller never expected to see her cat taking on a coyote.
“I did not expect to ever see that on camera,” Koeller said. “I suspected he does that on his own time or whatever, but I just did not expect to see it. And it was amazing to see.”
Whirlwind Sunny
Image via FOX 10 Phoenix
See Sunny from FOX5 below:
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In 2018, another cat chased away a coyote on camera. This time, it was in Ontario in broad daylight, and the coyote looked quite a bit larger. Undeterred, another black and white cat gave chase, sending the coyote running all the way down the street. One just never knows what might appear on a surveillance camera next.
Video from The Weather Network:
Coyotes, Pets, and People
Coyotes are widespread, living in all states except Hawaii. At certain times of the year, they are prone to roam, including fall, when young coyotes establish their own territories. In the spring, coyote breeding season can make family groups more aggressive than usual.
As part of their normal behavior, the coyotes look for easy prey, which sometimes includes family pets.
Notably, the canines aren’t nocturnal by nature, but they come out at night to avoid humans in urban environments.
“They’re active in the day, especially in communities where they’ve become comfortable,” says Burnett. “So, help them become a little more uncomfortable in your communities and you’ll see fewer of them.”
By keeping the coyotes on their toes, you can also help protect pets. In the rare event that you encounter a coyote, it’s generally best to stand your ground and make lots of noise.
“If you do see a coyote, make yourself really big. Look them in the eye, don’t back away. Speak on low tones or yell,” she said.
Just in case, it’s a good idea to carry pepper spray. To avoid encounters, keep any vulnerable pets indoors. However, coyotes will almost always avoid contact with people.
Fortunately, the widespread animals help keep down the rodent populations, which make up 75 percent of their diet. As such, they may help slow the spread of Lyme disease by killing mice.
See more for FOX10 Phoenix below:
