When four-year-old Lena stepped outside her family’s $2.3 million home in Bellevue, Washington, she thought she was about to pet a friendly dog. Instead, within seconds, the wild animal latched onto her palm and tried to drag her away. Her father, Chang Tong, was just steps behind her and reacted instantly, scaring off the coyote and saving his daughter from what could have been a devastating attack.
An Ordinary Afternoon Turns Terrifying
It was just another day in their upscale neighborhood when Lena opened the door to step outside. A gray-and-white animal stood on the front mat, appearing harmless. Without hesitation, Lena reached out, thinking it was a pet dog. Before she could react, the coyote bit down on her small hand and pulled her to the ground. Chang Tong, standing just inside the house, saw the horrifying scene unfold. “She was about to pet the dog, and in just one second, the coyote bit her and tried to drag her,” he recalled.
A Father’s Quick Thinking Saves His Daughter
Tong didn’t hesitate. As soon as he saw his daughter being dragged, he sprang into action, yelling at the coyote in an effort to startle it. The wild animal backed off, releasing Lena from its grip. Tong quickly scooped up his daughter and rushed her to the emergency room. Doctors treated the bite on her palm and administered a rabies shot as a precaution.
A Growing Concern
What happened to Lena wasn’t an isolated incident. Bellevue has seen a troubling rise in coyote encounters, with multiple reports of aggressive behavior. On the same day as Lena’s attack, a coyote approached a group of schoolchildren waiting for a bus and attempted to bite them, ripping their clothes. Just a day earlier, another coyote stole a backpack left on a sidewalk near Tyee Middle School. These encounters have left residents on high alert, questioning how to protect their families.
Protecting the Neighborhood from Future Attacks
Determined to prevent another close call, Tong is taking extra precautions. He plans to keep the front gate closed at all times and educate his children on the dangers of wild animals. “We may need some kind of protection, maybe a stake or a knife, just in case,” he said. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and to recognize the difference between coyotes and domestic dogs. “If a neighbor sees one, it’s better for them to know—it’s not a pet, it’s a coyote,” Tong added.
A Reminder That Wild Animals Are Never Far Away
Lena’s terrifying encounter serves as a stark reminder that even in well-developed areas, wildlife is never far away. While she escaped with only minor injuries, her story has sent a warning to the entire Bellevue community. Now, the family is focusing on healing and staying safe. For Lena, the experience was a shocking lesson about the unpredictable nature of wild animals. For her father, it was a moment that reinforced the importance of always staying close and protecting his little girl at all costs.
adventuring, photography and videography. I am currently working towards a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology at Stellenbosch University to go on to specialise in Marine Sciences one day.
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