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

W H2026 04 Hog Tactics IMG 7337
W H2026 04 Hog Tactics IMG 7337

Looking for Hogs vs. Hunting Wild Boars

There is no right or wrong way to hunt hogs. But in the author’s opinion there are methods that are more rewarding than others if sporting challenge, and not merely eradication, is the goal.

New for 2026: Sightron Snap Focus Parallax Adjustment S6

Sightron has announced the Snap Focus" S6 10-60x56mm ED Mil Hash (MH) Field Target riflescopes. Available with or without magnetic focus wheel, the S6 field target scope is a premium choice for airgun, small caliber field target and benchrest shooters.

#SundayGunday: FN 15 Guardian

On this week's #SundayGunday, we have an AR-platform from one of the finest gunmakers in the world, perfect for hog hunters and home defenders alike. The FN 15 Guardian applies Fabrique Nationale's proven quality to an AR, yielding a gun that runs well through all conditions.  A 16-inch 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel barrel, qualifies the gun as a carbine, perfect for handling through the woods or in a ground blind. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

How do you Compare to the Average Hunter?

There is no “average” hunter, although don’t be surprised if you’re more run-of-the-mill than you think after seeing the results of the “2025 Hunting Industry Insights” report. The survey, conducted by Untamed Outdoor Agency (UOA), focused on what might be the most active demographic—sportsmen between the ages of 32 and 52.

Says You: Trail Camera Overkill?

Editor-in-Chief Scott Olmsted's monthly response column to questions posed by our members. This week, we're discussing mountain lions, poaching and trail camera use.

New for 2026: Trijicon SRO Green Dot

Trijicon has announced a 2.5 MOA, Green Dot version of the SRO reflex sight. The new model will be available in Black and Coyote Brown anodized finishes.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.