Surveillance footage from Pasadena, California, shows a 3-year-old child sprinting back to his mother as a coyote followed him across their front yard in daylight. The boy — identified as Sal (also reported as Salvo) — was uninjured after the animal retreated following an adult’s loud shout. Local officials and experts note coyotes can be more active during mating season and advise supervising small children and pets near homes.
Toddler Chase In Pasadena: Surveillance Shows Coyote Pursuing 3-Year-Old in Broad Daylight
Toddler flees in terror as coyote chases him outside California family home in broad daylight
Surveillance footage captured a frightening moment outside a Pasadena, California, home when a coyote chased a 3-year-old boy across the front yard in broad daylight. The child ran onto the driveway, froze briefly, then turned and sprinted back to his mother while screaming. The animal followed closely and then retreated after an adult’s loud shout.
What Happened
The video shows the toddler — identified in different reports as Sal or Salvo — running onto the driveway before stopping and fleeing back toward the house. His mother, Aida Svelto, told local station KABC‑TV that she was just behind him when she heard a scream. "Sal went out the gate like he always does before me. Then I heard a scream, and Sal came running back. He grabbed onto my legs, then I screamed because I saw a big, giant coyote," she said.
A coyote follows a 3-year-old boy running back to his house in Pasadena, California.
After the shout, the coyote reappeared on camera and retreated the way it had come. The child was reportedly uninjured after the close encounter.
Local Context and Expert Notes
Coyotes are common in many parts of Southern California, including the hilly neighborhoods around Pasadena. Experts say coyotes can be more active and inquisitive during certain times of year — including mating season — when they may range more widely in search of mates and food. While coyotes play an important ecological role controlling rodents and scavenging carrion, they sometimes prey on small pets and, in rare cases, can threaten people.
Safety Tips for Residents
Keep small children and pets supervised outdoors, secure gates and trash, and avoid leaving pet food outside. If you encounter a coyote, make loud noises, maintain eye contact, and back away slowly — do not run.
The surveillance clip and the mother's account have renewed concerns among neighbors about urban wildlife and child safety in Pasadena and nearby communities.
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