Woman Skiing in Yellowstone National Park, WY Attacked and Dragged to Ground by Coyote

A woman skiing in Yellowstone National Park, WY was attacked by a coyote in the Canyon Village area Tuesday morning. The 43-year-old woman was cross country skiing on the Grand Loop Road near the South Rim Drive when the attack happened, shortly before 10 am, according to an NPS news release.

Bystanders watched as the young coyote came up behind the woman, grabbed her on the arm, and pulled her to the ground. The animal had to be beaten off by the other people in her group.

• Related: ‘Wiley Coyote’ Goes on a Spree of Attacks Before Being Killed Bare Handed By a New Hampshire Man

Witnesses took the 43-year-old woman to the Canyon Visitor Education Center, where rangers provided initial treatment for puncture wounds and lacerations to her head and arm. Rangers transported her to Mammoth Hot Springs by over-snow vehicle, and then she continued on to a medical facility.

“Encounters like these are rare, but they can happen. We suspect this coyote may have been starving due to having porcupine quills in its lower jaw and inside its mouth. Its young age likely led to its poor condition and irregular behavior,” said wildlife biologist Doug Smith.

Park staff temporarily closed the road, then positively identified and killed the coyote. The coyote is being necropsied and will be tested for rabies.

Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park is wild and unpredictable. Be aware of your surroundings. Never feed wildlife. Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and have to be killed. Keep all food, garbage, or other smelly items packed away when not in use. Stay 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves.

Read more about safety in the park, including how to behave around wildlife.