ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL – A quiet evening walk turned into a night of unexpected heroics for Chris Mack and his loyal boxer, Bodie, after a close encounter with two coyotes in their Altamonte Springs neighborhood. The incident unfolded late Wednesday night along Leatherwood Drive, where Mack and Bodie often enjoy leisurely strolls.
As the duo walked, two coyotes emerged from the shadows, one appearing from the street’s end and the other from a nearby wooded area. With Bodie on a leash, Mack was initially caught off guard when the first coyote approached. In a blur of motion, Bodie’s protective instincts kicked in, pulling Mack to the ground as the dog charged at the intruder.
Mack’s unexpected tumble left him with scrapes on his face and arms, but it was Bodie’s fierce response that stole the spotlight. As Mack regained his footing, the second coyote made its move, inching closer. Mack quickly called Bodie back, and the boxer responded with impressive speed and agility.
Bodie, weighing in at 91 pounds, barreled toward the coyote with the force of a small freight train, sending the wild animal scurrying back into the woods. Mack described the encounter as a bowling pin scenario, with Bodie’s sheer momentum forcing the coyote to retreat.
Reflecting on the incident, Mack expressed gratitude for Bodie’s bravery, acknowledging that the dog’s swift actions likely saved him from further harm. Despite the scare, he remained pragmatic about the situation, noting that wildlife encounters are an inevitable consequence of rapid urban development.
“We’re building so fast, and these animals are losing their habitats,” Mack said. “When you take their space, you can’t expect them to just disappear.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been notified and is currently investigating the incident. Meanwhile, Mack and Bodie continue their walks, albeit with a heightened sense of awareness.
The encounter serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban expansion and wildlife habitats, urging residents to remain vigilant in areas where human and animal territories overlap.