A mother and her young daughter had a frightening encounter with a coyote May 22, Thursday evening near Eagle Rock Lake, prompting a response from local police and wildlife officials.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. as the woman and her 6-year-old daughter were walking to a restroom facility. According to the mother, the coyote emerged from nearby bushes and assumed a defensive stance.
“The coyote started snapping its teeth and was attempting to bite my daughter — it was terrifying,” she said.
A nearby fisherman witnessed the incident and intervened, successfully chasing the animal away. No injuries were reported.

The Questa Police Department responded to the scene, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is currently investigating.

Reports of coyote sightings at the lake have circulated on social media over the past month, but Thursday’s incident marks a more aggressive encounter.

Authorities are reminding the public that coyotes are wild animals and should not be approached, fed, or petted. Visitors to Eagle Rock Lake are urged to remain cautious and to report any wildlife incidents to local authorities.

We received the following statement from Zachery Behrens with the New Mexico Forest Service:
“Recently, an opportunistic coyote has been observed at the lake, feeding on refuse and improperly handled fish. According to reports from local residents, some individuals have been feeding the coyote. This behavior can habituate wildlife and lead to coyotes becoming more comfortable approaching humans, which poses safety concerns for both people and animals.

As of now, the coyote has not been seen at the lake for approximately a week. In response to these events, we have been working in coordination with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) to educate visitors on safe and responsible wildlife practices.”

The department went on to provide the following guidelines for people should they approach wildlife:
Do not approach or feed wildlife.

Maintain a safe distance — at least 75 feet (about two school bus lengths) from coyotes, and 120 feet (about three school bus lengths) from bears.

Help keep coyotes wary of humans by using noisemakers, yelling, and chasing them away if encountered.
If you experience a negative encounter with wildlife at the lake or in the surrounding forest, please contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for assistance.

Thank you for helping us protect both people and wildlife.