A frightening encounter on Guthrie Street has East Chicago residents on edge after two coyotes chased down a local man and his friend before grabbing his cat in front of them.
The pet owner, Tykee Irvin, shared the story on Facebook this week, saying he and a friend were confronted by the animals and were unable to stop them from taking his cat of four years.
A neighbor’s camera reportedly caught the coyotes on video afterward, giving other residents a clear look at the animals now roaming the area.
The post quickly drew attention from people across the neighborhood, many of whom said they had spotted coyotes in the same general area before, particularly at night. Several commenters pointed to specific locations where sightings have become more common, including near a local golf course and close to the border between East Chicago and Gary.
Another resident mentioned seeing coyotes near 151st Street by Kennedy Avenue, suggesting the animals may be covering a wider stretch of the city than some had assumed.
Residents Trade Advice on What to Do During an Encounter
The comment section turned into an informal safety discussion, with longtime residents offering conflicting but passionate advice. Some argued that running is the worst thing a person can do, saying coyotes are far less likely to act aggressively if a person stands their ground.
A few suggested making loud noises, yelling, or making yourself appear larger, comparing the approach to how people are told to react around bears. Others recommended keeping a stick or throwing a rock nearby as a way to scare the animals off without direct contact.
Not everyone reacted with fear, though. At least one commenter joked that she would rather try to catch a coyote and bring it home as a pet, a response that got some laughs but also pushback from neighbors who stressed that these are wild animals, not strays.
City Residents Urged to Take Precautions With Small Pets
Beyond the exchange of coyote encounter stories, the underlying message from most commenters was the same: keep a close eye on small pets, especially at night.
Coyotes are known to target cats and small dogs left outside unsupervised, and wildlife experts have long warned that urban and suburban coyote populations have adapted well to city environments, making sightings more common than many residents realize.
For now, there’s no official statement from East Chicago city officials or animal control regarding the incident, but the viral nature of the post suggests more residents may begin reporting sightings in hopes of tracking the animals’ movements.
Pet owners in the area are being encouraged to bring animals inside after dark and avoid leaving them unattended in yards, especially near wooded or open areas where coyotes are known to pass through.