Shocking Sequence Unfolds in Driveway (Image Credits: Sbsun.com)
Surveillance video from a quiet Pasadena neighborhood revealed a tense encounter between a young child and a bold coyote during broad daylight.
Shocking Sequence Unfolds in Driveway
On February 23, around 1 p.m., 3-year-old Salvo Bessemer stepped out of his family’s gated courtyard on Tamarac Drive.[1][2]
The boy headed toward the driveway, hoping to hug his father goodbye before Leonard Bessemer left for work. Salvo soon realized his dad had already departed minutes earlier. Instead of his father, he spotted a large coyote lurking nearby. Panic set in as the toddler turned and sprinted back toward the house, screaming “Mama! Mama!” The coyote followed closely through the front gate, trailing the child right to the door.[3]
Inside, Salvo’s mother, Aida Svelto, grabbed her son and let out a piercing scream upon seeing the animal. The coyote paused briefly, then trotted away down the driveway. It lingered for a short time, peering through nearby ivy before finally departing. No one was harmed in the incident.[4]
Mating Season Fuels Daytime Sightings
Experts pointed to coyote breeding season as the key factor behind the animal’s uncharacteristic boldness. Mating typically spans late January through March, peaking in February, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner. During this period, coyotes roam more actively in search of mates and food, appearing at all hours rather than just dawn and dusk.[2]
Kevin McManus, director of PR and communications for Pasadena Humane, noted increased sightings in recent weeks. “It’s mating season, so they are out there at all times of the day,” McManus said. “We’re going to be seeing them.”[3][4] He emphasized that the footage showed no aggressive hunting behavior from the coyote. Residents in the hilly South Pasadena area reported frequent coyote presence, including Leonard Bessemer spotting one weekly on morning runs.[1]
Essential Steps to Deter Urban Coyotes
Local authorities urged heightened vigilance amid rising encounters. Families should supervise children and pets closely, especially outdoors. Securing trash and avoiding outdoor pet food helps remove attractants. McManus advised making noise to haze coyotes, reminding people that humans outsize the animals.[1]
Aida Svelto shared practical insights from the ordeal. “Standing your ground and telling them to leave is what they need to go away,” she said. Carrying a whistle emerged as a simple tool for emergencies during peak season.[2]
- Never approach or feed coyotes.
- Haze with loud noises, water sprays, or thrown objects.
- Keep small pets leashed and indoors at dawn/dusk.
- Trim vegetation to reduce hiding spots.
- Report aggressive behavior to animal control.
Family Adjusts to Heightened Caution
The Bessemer-Svelto household implemented stricter rules post-incident. Salvo now requires a parent to accompany him to the gate. The family’s chihuahua, Sam, stays leashed outdoors. They also committed to keeping the front door closed at all times.[1]
Aida reflected on prior complacency. “We have seen [coyotes] but they typically just stay on the street,” she told reporters. “I really didn’t feel nervous. Now I’m nervous.”[5] Leonard called the event “flabbergasted,” rare even for their wildlife-familiar neighborhood.[4]
Key Takeaways
- Coyote mating season drives bolder, daytime activity – stay alert through March.
- Quick parental intervention often deters threats without harm.
- Simple hazing works: noise and presence remind coyotes of human dominance.
This close call underscores the delicate balance of urban wildlife coexistence. As coyote populations thrive in Southern California, proactive steps ensure safety for all. What precautions do you take in coyote country? Tell us in the comments.
