Opinion

Non-lethal device may provide protection, deter coyotes

Independent Newsmedia/Charlene Bisson

Posted Thursday, June 11, 2026 11:56 am

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Coyotes are common throughout Arizona, even in urban environments. For more information on what attracts them to an area, what to do if you encounter them and how to protect yourself and your pets, visit Arizona Game & Fish’s website at azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/living-with-coyotes.

If you’re attacked by a coyote, call 911 immediately, seek medical attention and report the incident to Game & Fish.

By Richard Gfeller | Sun City West

OPINION — I read with interest the letter from Sue Wilson of Sun City in the June 10, 2026, Independent Opinions section wherein she recounted a horrific experience with an aggressive coyote while walking her dogs at 3:30 a.m.

She asked if anyone knows of some legal device to keep herself and her dogs safe.

Her story made me recall recent advertisements I had seen and heard on TV and radio for a commercially available non-lethal self-defense product that can provide protection and correct aggressive behavior in animals from up to 60 feet away.

While Independent Newsmedia opinion guidelines don’t allow naming specific products or businesses in letters, we shared Richard Gfeller’s information with Sue Wilson. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

Keywords

Sun City, Sun City West, coyote, aggressive behavior, protection