Video shows girl calmly evading coyote in her Portland backyard

We can all hope to be calm under pressure, but this Oregon girl just might be the queen of calm.  

On Oct. 12 surveillance footage at a Portland home captured a coyote chasing a young girl as she alerts her dad about the dangerous animal behind her, Storyful said. 

Charlie Schmidt, the owner of the home, is seen in the video working in his yard when his daughter appears in the frame.  

"Dad, there's a coyote," she says.  

The video then shows the coyote running after her.  

Watch video of a Portland girl's encounter with a coyote:

The girl kept her composure as she jumped on the table to safety. Her father picked her up to run to the other side of the house, the video shows.  

“Quickly, get inside, get inside!” Schmidt’s son yells in the video.  

The video shows the coyote running through the area without leaving a trace of which direction it turned.  

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What should you do if you see a coyote?  

According to the San Francisco Animal Care & Control, coyotes are “normally shy animals and not known to be aggressive.” However, urban coyotes are accustomed to “the sights, sounds and smells associated with (the city), and often show little fear of people.” 

The animal shelter shares some tips if you encounter a coyote:  

• Walk away. It is advised to keep moving away from the coyote. Do not run. 
• Make sure to pick up small dogs and carry them if you see a coyote.  
• Keep bigger dogs on a leash.  
• Prevent your dog(s) from interacting with a coyote or chasing them.  
• If approached by a coyote, you can shout, wave your arms, stomp your feet, or make any noise to startle the animal. Bringing a device that can make loud sounds is also helpful.  
• Keep close to your children and do not let a coyote come between you.  

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.