Raleigh woman's quick action saves dog from coyote encounter

A calm Thursday morning turned wild for Crystal Campbell. Bringing in a package, she saw a coyote in her yard, instantly fearing for her dogs playing outside.

"It was very scary. I freaked out thinking, like, potentially my dog could die. I screamed really loud," Campbell said.

She was able to spook the coyote, leaving her dog unharmed.

"I would have sprinted after that thing. I mean, it was so fast, but luckily my dog didn’t run too far and have it continue to chase him," Campbell said.

Wildlife biologist Falyn Owens says coyotes tend to avoid people.

"They’re everywhere, regardless of where you live in North Carolina," Falyn Owens said.

She says the best thing you can do is look out.

"Certainly getting the dog into your possession so you can protect it, so you can act as an intermediary to protect it from the coyote," Owens said.

Campbell hopes her story can warn other pet parents.

"I just want to make sure people around here are careful because they’re obviously around," Campbell said.

Wildlife experts say if you have a small dog, you may consider keeping that dog on a leash. Coyotes may be more likely to target dogs of that size.