Coyote Attacks Three-Year-Old Girl on Front Porch

by
posted on December 6, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
1-9-6049-coyote-francis.jpg

A Washington state family had a close call last Thursday, Nov. 30, when their three-year-old daughter was attacked by a coyote on the front porch of their home in Snoqualmie. The girl’s father was able to chase the coyote off, and the three-year-old is reportedly unscathed, aside from a few scratches.

According to a recent Q13FOX report, Sophia was on the front porch of the family’s home with her father, Douglas Lucas, who was on a ladder hanging Christmas lights when the coyote approached just after dark. Lucas said he spotted the coyote walking down the street, and within seconds it came onto the porch and pounced on Sophia.

“The coyote came from behind, knocked Sophia, she landed on her mouth, Douglas chases him off, ripped through her jacket and scratched her,” grandmother Susan Chavez told Q13FOX. “It was traumatic, it’s a scary situation.”

The city of Snoqualmie has had a recent uptick in coyote sightings, most of which have been reported in the early morning or evening hours. “We’ve had seven reports of coyote sightings in the last 24-hour period, many more in the past week,” said Joan Pliego, public information officer for the city of Snoqualmie.

Since the attack, Sophia has been understandably apprehensive about going outside, but told Q13FOX that “daddy saved my life.” To watch the family’s interview with Q13FOX, click here.

Latest

Norma American Professional Hunter 308 Norma Magnum 180Gr Oryx Rifle Ammo 20 Rounds 1439756 1
Norma American Professional Hunter 308 Norma Magnum 180Gr Oryx Rifle Ammo 20 Rounds 1439756 1

Behind the Bullet: The .308 Norma Magnum

Norma’s ballistician Nils Kvale saw the wisdom of having the velocity and horsepower of the .300 H&H Magnum, but in a shorter, more affordable receiver, and used the H&H case to develop his .358 Norma Magnum in 1959 as well as the .308 Norma Magnum one year later. The .308 Norma Magnum closely resembles the wildcat .30-338 cartridge, though the shoulder of the former is located a bit more toward the base than that of the .308 Norma Magnum. Intrigued? Read on about this often unfairly overlooked hunting classic.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV

The Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV, from Browning Trail Cameras, promises direct video transmission and streamlined setup without adding complexity.

Is Wildcatting Right for You?

Dennis Bradley explores the potential benefits of going with a wildcat cartridge, using the .375 Raptor as a case study.

New for 2026: The Chiappa M1-22 Bushranger

Chiappa Firearms expands its rimfire lineup with the introduction of the Bushranger M1-22 Semi-Auto, a .22 LR rifle built to bridge familiar sporting ergonomics with modern accessory capability. The Bushranger is intended for recreational shooting, skill development and range use, but could also excel in the hands of any small game or varmint hunter.

Savage Updates 212 and 220 Slug Guns

Savage Arms has upgraded its 212/220 Harvester and Harvester Woodland slug guns. These models now feature the AccuFit V2 stock system, providing shooters with all sorts of customizable options.

Science Behind Mountain Lion Management and Hunting

Across North America, agencies responsible for the conservation and management of native mammals, including large carnivores, employ science-based tools to manage wildlife populations. It’s a delicate balance too often compromised by emotion at the ballot box.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.