Watch CBS News

Coyotes Confront Ocala Man On A Walk With 2 Small Dogs

OCALA (CBSMiami/AP) - A man walking his two small dogs in the suburbs of Ocala was confronted by a pack of coyotes.

Jack Miller, the Star-Banner reports, was near his front door walking with his poodle, Tinkerbell, and his Maltese/Chihuahua mix, Jax, when a pack of at least five coyotes surrounded them.

Tinkerbell, according to Miller, acted "like a pitbull" and jumped between him and the coyotes. Jax, on the other hand, cowered at the sight of them.

Miller managed to punch one of the coyotes, but unfortunately was unsuccessful in trying to fend off all the wild dogs.

The brave Tinkerbell was unhurt, but one coyote grabbed Jax and bolted.

Joy Hill, a spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said coyotes are generally associated with western regions of the United States but are increasingly becoming a problem in Florida as well, as the species' population grows and development encroaches on their habitat.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.