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Coyote Attacks Florida Man in Shocking Junkyard Incident

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Author Waldemar Mopera

A coyote wandering in the wilderness.
A coyote wandering in the wilderness. Image via Pexels.

It was a regular Tuesday morning at a junkyard in Atlantic Beach, Florida—until it wasn’t. Christopher McCallister, who works near Donald Dagley’s Workshop, was going about his usual routine when he noticed something strange. A coyote, looking rough and disoriented, wandered directly into the lot.

Before anyone could react, the animal lunged and latched onto McCallister’s arm. “It didn’t bite and run—it held on,” he later told local reporters. A coworker caught a photo of the wild scene, showing the animal mid-attack. McCallister was shaken but managed to wrestle the coyote off before it fled.

Not Your Average Coyote Encounter

A coyote walking solo in the wild.
A coyote walking solo in the wild. Image via Pexels

Coyotes are usually shy around humans. They’ll slink off before you get a good look at them, especially in daylight. So when one walks into a busy worksite in the middle of the day and attacks unprovoked, that’s not just unusual—it’s dangerous.

Wildlife experts say that kind of bold behavior could point to rabies or another neurological issue. A sick or injured animal may act unpredictably, sometimes attacking without warning. “This is not something we see often,” a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson confirmed.

Residents Warned to Stay Cautious

Since the attack, several other coyote sightings have been reported in the area. One woman said a coyote followed her while she walked her dog. Another resident claims they saw one pacing outside their fence just after sunset.

“Coyote Attacks Man in Florida,” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: WKYC Channel 3

Local officials urge Atlantic Beach residents to keep their pets indoors and avoid leaving food outside. Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, and anything that smells like a snack—trash, pet food, even birdseed—can draw them closer.

FWC has set up traps in the area and is testing local wildlife for rabies. So far, no additional aggressive incidents have been confirmed, but that hasn’t done much to ease neighbors’ nerves.

What to Do If You See a Coyote

A coyote hiding in dry grass.
A coyote hiding in dry grass. Image via Pexels

If you spot a coyote in your area, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Stand tall, wave your arms, and make noise to scare it off. Never run, and don’t try to feed it. Call wildlife authorities immediately if the animal doesn’t back down or appears aggressive.

And if you—or your pet—get bitten or scratched, get medical attention right away. Rabies is almost always fatal if untreated, but preventable with prompt care.

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