Rescue
Tiny dog starts barking at woods. Next thing owner knows he’s wrestling a coyote with his bare hands
All Timothy could think was that he had to protect his tiny dog Roxie.
Sasha Alonzo
01.17.24

In the quiet town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, an ordinary Friday took a turn for a frightening moment for Timothy Snipe.

What started as a routine task – letting his dog Roxie out for a potty break – quickly escalated into a scene straight out of an action movie.

The drama of this unexpected encounter was captured by Timothy’s home security camera, providing a gripping visual record of the events that unfolded.

WCBD News 2 - YouTube
Source:
WCBD News 2 - YouTube

Timothy’s day was proceeding as usual until Roxie began barking incessantly.

At first, Timothy was puzzled by her behavior, wondering what had caught her attention.

Little did he know, a hidden danger was lurking nearby.

In the shadows of the woods, a coyote was stealthily eyeing Roxie, preparing to strike.

WCBD News 2 - YouTube
Source:
WCBD News 2 - YouTube

Recounting the incident to Nexstar’s WCBD, Timothy said, “Roxie started barking, and I was like what is she barking at.”

But Roxie, sensing the imminent threat, didn’t seek refuge with her owner.

Instead, she courageously confronted the coyote, displaying a surprising level of bravery for a domestic pet.

WCBD News 2 - YouTube
Source:
WCBD News 2 - YouTube

Timothy’s protective instincts kicked in instantly.

He leaped into action, a moment of sheer adrenaline and courage captured on his Ring camera.

Describing the harrowing experience, Timothy said, “The coyote jumped on me and bit me on my leg, and I wrestled it down, I choked him out.”

It was a struggle of man versus wild, with Timothy determined to protect his beloved pet at all costs.

WCBD News 2 - YouTube
Source:
WCBD News 2 - YouTube

The battle was intense and physical.

Timothy, driven by a mix of fear and determination, managed to overpower the coyote.

In a remarkable feat of strength and quick thinking, he grabbed the animal by the tail and confined it in a nearby dumpster.

This quick action prevented the coyote from causing any further harm until help could arrive.

WCBD News 2 - YouTube
Source:
WCBD News 2 - YouTube

The aftermath of this encounter was as intense as the fight itself.

Timothy ultimately had to kill the coyote to end the threat.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control collected the animal for rabies testing, a necessary precaution after such an incident.

Timothy himself wasn’t left unscathed; he received nine rabies shots but thankfully reported feeling good despite the ordeal.

WCBD News 2 - YouTube
Source:
WCBD News 2 - YouTube

Reflecting on the incident, Timothy’s resolve was clear.

He expressed his unwavering commitment to Roxie’s safety, saying, “I knew I could’ve been alright, even if I would’ve gotten bit and gotten rabies or something, but if Roxie had gotten bit, it was over.”

He’s since taken additional measures to protect Roxie, including equipping her with a coyote-proof vest for future outdoor adventures.

WCBD News 2 - YouTube
Source:
WCBD News 2 - YouTube

Timothy’s deep affection for Roxie is evident in his words and actions.

“Once you get a pet, they’re automatically a part of the family and this is my girl, this is our girl,” he shared, highlighting the strong bond between them.

He emphasized that he would not hesitate to repeat his actions if it meant keeping Roxie safe.

WCBD News 2 - YouTube
Source:
WCBD News 2 - YouTube

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in our surroundings, even in seemingly safe neighborhoods.

Wildlife officials advise that in the event of a coyote encounter, it’s crucial to make yourself appear as large and loud as possible.

Waving your arms and yelling can help deter the animal.

Additionally, it’s important to avoid feeding coyotes, whether intentionally or inadvertently by leaving food outside.

Timothy’s experience underscores the unexpected challenges pet owners may face and the extraordinary lengths they are willing to go to protect their beloved pets.

Watch the harrowing moment unfold firsthand in the video below and see just how quickly Timothy sprang into action.

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