Dogs prove to be just as dangerous as coyotes when provoked

It isn't uncommon for people to run the risk of becoming involved in an attack by a wild animal, and many people are unprepared to handle such an incident. Without the right defense tools, individuals may suffer injuries when confronted by an aggressive creature.

Recently, coyotes have made headlines for roaming into populated areas and posing a threat to the public. Although humans are guilty of invading their natural habitat, coyotes are not afraid to come into contact with them, especially when on the prowl. These nocturnal animals are willing to eat anything, including household pets and other small animals native to the area.

In an effort to control the growing population of coyotes in the region, Colorado wildlife officials recently announced that they have killed nine coyotes since July, according to The Denver Post. This comes after a small boy was bitten by a coyote on August 19 while walking down the street with his family. The animal came out of the woods and did not appear to have any definitive reason to bite the child, who had not provoked it.

"Considering that we've had three aggressive incidents in this neighborhood, we were seeing a pattern of behavior that really concerned us," Jennifer Churchill, a local wildlife official, told the news source.

Experts are attempting to control the population through killing these aggressive animals, which appear to be encroaching more and more on neighborhoods in the area.

"We teach our kids the things to do [if they see a coyote], but ... when they're 6 and 7, they're not going to remember that in the moment," Lisa Hrivnak, a mother of children living in the region, told the news source. "So maybe it does make it safer if there are fewer [coyotes] out there."

However, it's sometimes the unsuspecting animals that can cause the most damage to humans. Dogs are commonly referred to as man's best friend, but their natural instincts can come out when their owners least expect it.

This was recently the cause in Stoughton, Massachusetts, when a family dog turned on its loved ones. A 2-year-old was hospitalized after his own pet bit him, according to The Enterprise. Police who arrived on the scene noted that the toddler's injuries were serious, but not life-threatening. He was taken to a nearby hospital for his wounds.

"He's fine," the child's father, who wished to remain anonymous, told the news source. "Thank you for your concern."

Following the incident, Sergeant Paul McCallum reported to The Enterprise that the family does not to intend to keep the dog in the house any longer. The 11-year-old husky is not typically aggressive, according to its owners.

A similar attack recently occurred in South Carolina involving a 10-year-old girl, according to The Associated Press. A child was bitten in the face by a pit bull mix when she walked up to hug it and the animal turned aggressive. Police officers who responded to the scene said that the injuries were not life-threatening, but the girl immediately needed medical attention.

Although the child was not outright provoking the animal, the incident proves that dogs can just as easily turn aggressive as other creatures, such as coyotes. Those who want to increase their personal safety might want to buy pepper spray. When used properly, it can temporarily blind an animal and give an individual the chance to flee the scene. Pepper spray can be especially helpful when improving the safety of small children and elderly adults. 

Dog bites can be life-threatening to unprepared children and adults alike

Many people consider dogs to be man's best friend, but this can quickly become more of a myth than fact when an animal feels threatened. The natural instincts of dogs can come out when provoked, causing them to attack humans in order to protect themselves. When these type of incidents occur, it's typically unexpected and can result in a number of injuries for the victims.

Oftentimes, people assume that they will never find themselves in such an attack while minding their own business. However, there is typically little that a person can do when an aggressive dog has gotten loose. This was recently the case in Manchester, New Hampshire, when a 43-year-old man was strolling down the sidewalk, according to the Union Leader.

Dwayne Perry told police that he was walking down the street when two pit bulls randomly confronted him and began to attack. Perry suffered wounds to his arms and legs before he was able to run into a nearby restaurant to get away from the animals.

"Apparently the pit bulls escaped 244 Lowell St. and immediately attacked him," police lieutenant Jim Flanagan told the news source.

Upon contacting the owners of the pit bulls that had gotten loose, police found that the animals had no licenses or records of vaccination. They were taken to a local shelter until further information could be found.

Although the incident could have been worse, dog bites are often more severe when affecting small children and elderly adults. It can be more difficult for these individuals to recover from an attack.

Recently, a 6-year-old boy in Tyler, Texas, found himself in the hospital after a neighbor's dog aggressively confronted him in his own neighborhood, according to NBC affiliate KETK-TV. Trevon James was playing in his yard with friends when a nearby dog that had gotten loose proceeded to attack him.

"My arm hurt, then I went to the doctor," James told the news source while recovering at home.

The dog bit James' upper right arm before his father arrived on the scene. He proceeded to wrap his arm in a towel until the ambulance arrived and took James to the hospital. The child received more than a dozen stitches for his injuries, and the police determined that the dog was not up to date on its rabies shots. Animal control officials told the news source that the owners have paid to have the dog euthanized following the incident.

Although James is expected to make a full recovery following the attack, the situation could have been worse if the dog had proceeded to show aggression. The child's father arrived right on time to spare his child, but not everyone can be so lucky.

Many people assume that they could never be the victim of a dog attack, but hundreds of people suffer from similar incidents every year. Most would say that dogs are known to be gentle and friendly creatures. However, their animal instincts can come out when provoked, and it's not uncommon for people to be unprepared in these instances. This can result in life-threatening injuries in a matter of minutes.

Those who want to increase their personal safety might want to purchase pepper spray. When used properly, it can temporarily blind an animal and give a victim the chance to flee for help. Although many people think they might not need it, it's best to be prepared in the event of a violent attack, whether by a dog or a wild animal.

Bear attacks jogger in Montana

Oftentimes, pepper spray is used to ward off an intruder or attacker in an unexpected situation. However, it can be used in the event of an emergency upon coming across an aggressive animal as well.

Joggers are often on alert to potential attackers while running, regardless of the time of day. Unfortunately, the aggressor was a bear in the instance of one 24 year-old woman in Montana, according to NBC affiliate News-6.

The victim was running on a path and happened to come across a mother bear and her cubs. The bear began to swipe at the jogger, who used her arms to protect her head. Although she was shaken up and mildly wounded, she was able to drive herself to the hospital.

Although bears don't commonly harass joggers, any aggressive animal may be prone to attacking an individual upon being threatened.

Joggers are encouraged to buy pepper spray to increase their personal safety on a regular basis. Not only can it temporarily blind a human, but it can slow down an animal in the event of an attack.

Police use Taser and pepper spray to subdue Long Island man

Oftentimes, criminals attempt to fight back when approached by the police. When this happens, it is more important than ever for officers to be equipped with the proper gear to handle an offender.

Recently, a man from Greenport, New York, was taken into custody after he attempted to take an officer's gun to use against him an in altercation. Donald Beckley, 57, was causing a disturbance at a local eatery when police were called onto the scene, according to The Suffolk Times. When he was approached by officers, he was quick to resist arrest.

Beckley then attempted to steal an officer's gun from his belt. This left the police with no choice but to use a Taser, as well as pepper spray, to subdue him in the struggle. Beckley was then taken into custody and is now facing a series of charges.

Although police officers are known for using pepper spray, the general public can utilize it well to increase personal safety. When used, pepper spray can cause temporary blindness. This can give a victim the opportunity to flee to safety when in a struggle with a dangerous individual.

Pit bull attacks man and his terrier on a walk in the park

Although personal safety is a concern for most people, individuals with dogs also have a special interest in pet safety. Oftentimes, other animals are the biggest threat to cats and dogs, as seen in a recent incident in Portland, Washington.

On July 17, Todd Wisner took his Scottish terrier out for a walk, only to be viciously attacked by a loose pit bull, according to KATU-TV. Although he managed to get away, his dog's ear was bitten in the incident, and the terrier is now battling an infection.

"This dog ran from across the street out of an unfenced yard and was not restrained in any way, not on a leash and just attacked," Wisner told the news source. "And the pit bull grabbed [my dog] by the head and started thrashing around."

Wisner was not able to chase after the dog, which is still on the loose. He is concerned for the safety of those who frequently visit the park, most of whom are children.

Dog owners who want to make pet safety a priority can buy pepper spray to make sure they are prepared at all times. When sprayed into the face of an animal, it can cause temporarily blindness and allow individuals to flee to safety.

String of sexual assaults near University of Michigan campus raises concern

A third woman was recently assaulted near the University of Michigan campus, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Police say the victim had been walking toward campus when a man approached her and pulled her behind a wall where he assaulted her.

A warning has been issued by the university that discussed proper safety while walking as the suspect continues to roam the streets.

The victim said the perpetrator was a white male, approximately six-foot-five inches tall and had brown hair and eyes.

This description is a bit different from the assailant described by two other victims who were also assaulted recently. According to their accounts, their attacker was a man in his late teens or early 20s with olive skin and short dark hair.

Police are trying to piece together all three assaults to see if any similar patterns can be concluded, although as of now, it's not certain if the attacks are at all related.

Campus and Michigan police are investigating and are continuing to urge that students be extremely cautious when walking near or on campus. They suggest carrying pepper spray and walking in groups at all times as an added measure of protection until those responsible for the attacks are found.

Armed robber still on the loose in Emmaus

Emmaus, Pennsylvania, police are still looking for a masked criminal who robbed a Sovereign Bank in Lehigh County, according to WFMZ-TV.

According to police reports, a masked criminal with a gun held up the bank on an early morning weekday, and after he got what he wanted he proceeded to take off into nearby cornfields.

A full throttle manhunt followed as K9 units, SWAT teams and state police all covered the area, while local police kept concerned residents away from the scene.

With a situation like this, Chief David Faust of the Emmaus Police Department said safety is always the number one concern, saying, "I would rather err on the side of safety to ensure safety of the surrounding area."

Even with all the extra hands, the masked robber managed to slip away and police are still on the hunt for him.

Police are urging residents to stay alert as the criminal is still on the loose. To ensure your personal safety stay in areas that have a lot of people and consider carrying pepper spray to be further protected should you come in contact with the armed assailant.

Clerk uses pepper spray to halt robbery

Portland, Oregon, police are looking for a suspect that attempted to rob a local Dotty's convenient store, according to East Portland KATU.

Police reports state that a male suspect wearing a mask walked into the store at 1:30 a.m. and made it look like he had a gun in his pocket. At which time he walked over to the clerk and started yelling demands.

The clerk decided to take matters into his own hands and proceeded to punch the robber in the face and sprayed him with pepper spray.

During the retaliation, the suspect fled the store and got into a white 1990s Ford Explorer. The license plate was unreadable, but police do have surveillance tape with pictures of the assailant.

The suspect is said to be a white male approximately five-foot-six-inches tall with a goatee or a full beard.

If you work in an environment where your business stays open all-night, you may be at risk for a potential robbery. By carrying pepper spray, you may be able to prevent a situation from becoming out of hand. If the robber does have a firearm, it may be better for your personal safety to hand over what they want and call the police after the incident.

The music stops for a musician who held up a pharmacy in MA

Attleboro, Massachusetts, police had a star encounter recently as they took Coheed and Cambria bassist Michael R. Todd into custody after he robbed a Walgreens pharmacy before a show in a neighboring town, according to The Boston Globe.

According to police reports, the bassist walked into the store and used his cellphone screen to scare the pharmacists into giving him painkillers. The message allegedly stated that he had a bomb in his pocket and that he wanted narcotics - specifically OxyContin.

The court papers also stated that the pharmacist who dealt with Todd said that she was fearful that he would hurt her or one of her coworkers if she didn't cooperate with his demands.

After he was given six bottles of oxycodone, he reportedly fled the scene in a taxi that he took back to the band's venue. Witnesses told police that a man had gotten into a taxi.end Officers called the taxi company and were able to track Todd down. He was found on his tour bus and was arrested.

He's being charged with armed robbery and drug possession charges.

In this situation, a threat occurred and the worker did what she needed to do to maintain her personal safety and the safety of her fellow employees. Walking alone or walking at night is another time when you could be made a target for a robbery or an assault. Carrying pepper spray could enhance your security as a way to ward of an assailant should you be faced with an attempted robbery.

Self-defense courses offered free to recent graduates

Ventura, California, high school students are being offered free self-defense classes at the Miller Family YMCA as a way to prepare them for situations that may arise while at college, according to the Ventura County Star.

Self-defense sensei Mike Szydlowski will be teaching recent high school graduates proper techniques of defense that they'll hopefully be able to take with them as they head off on their own in college.

Janice Wise, the director of marketing at the Miller Y, spoke on the benefits of teaching kids self-defense as they pursue their freedom at college, and what it can also do for the parents.

"The classes will give parents some peace of mind as they send their kids off to school this fall," Wise told the Ventura County Star. "It's the Y's graduation gift to our community."

Classes will be free and open to graduates with or without a Y membership.

Going to college can be a great experience as it gives young adults the chance to live life on their own. With this new freedom also comes the potential for issues to arise as alcohol and the lack of traditional rules can fuel problems. Purchasing pepper spray to bring to school may be another method preserving your personal safety if you are ever walking alone or feel threatened.

Victim looses part of his nose during recent attack

A recent attach on a footpath in Camberley, England, left one victim with part of his nose bitten off, according to the BBC.

Police are saying this was an unprovoked assault and are now trying to piece together what happened during the 11:00 p.m. attack.

According to the news source, the 35-year-old victim had been walking with a friend on a footpath when three men approached them and started attacking the victim. Police told the press he was knocked down and one of the attackers proceeded to bite off a portion of the victim's nose.

After the assault the three suspects took off on foot. The victim was taken to the hospital and is scheduled to have surgery within the next few days.

Police are hopeful they'll be able to find the suspects based on the location of the attack and the eyewitness account from the victim's friend."The assault happened close to a busy road so I believe that there is a possibility that passing motorists or pedestrians may have seen or heard something shortly before 11pm on Saturday night," Detective Sgt. Rebecca Westmore told the news outlet.

Your personal safety can become more in question when you're having a conversation as you're less likely to pay attention to your surroundings. Purchasing pepper spray to carry with you may be a method of staying safe as the device works to blind your attacker giving you time to get out of harms way.

Free self-defense classes offered for Myrtle Beach residents after string of purse snatching's

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, women are getting free lessons in self-defense after a string of purse snatches in the area have prompted the need for added ways to protect their personal safety, according to NBC affiliate, WMBF.

Former law enforcement officer Nelson Melendez runs a free once-a-month self-defense clinic for area women to learn proper ways to defend themselves against an attack.

The need for learning self-defense is becoming more real as a woman reported a purse snatching just days before one of the classes, she was knocked down as the suspect stole her belongings.

"It's probably the most important hour you can spend because it might save your life," said Myrtle Beach resident Mary Beth Gardiner, who attends the self defense seminars.

Through the easy-to-learn methods, Melendez hopes he can help empower women to fight back should they be involved in a similar situation.

Purse snatching is a real problem throughout many major cities in the U.S. Keeping your belongings close to your body and staying off cell phones or listening to music are other ways to prevent an attack, as when you're distracted you can become an easier target. Purchasing pepper spray to carry while you walk is another option to guard yourself should a situation arise.

Free self-defense classes offered for Myrtle Beach residents after string of purse snatching's

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, women are getting free lessons in self-defense after a string of purse snatches in the area have prompted the need for added ways to protect their personal safety, according to NBC affiliate, WMBF.

Former law enforcement officer Nelson Melendez runs a free once-a-month self-defense clinic for area women to learn proper ways to defend themselves against an attack.

The need for learning self-defense is becoming more real as a woman reported a purse snatching just days before one of the classes, she was knocked down as the suspect stole her belongings.

"It's probably the most important hour you can spend because it might save your life," said Myrtle Beach resident Mary Beth Gardiner, who attends the self defense seminars.

Through the easy-to-learn methods, Melendez hopes he can help empower women to fight back should they be involved in a similar situation.

Purse snatching is a real problem throughout many major cities in the U.S. Keeping your belongings close to your body and staying off cell phones or listening to music are other ways to prevent an attack, as when you're distracted you can become an easier target. Purchasing pepper spray to carry while you walk is another option to guard yourself should a situation arise.

Free self-defense classes offered for Myrtle Beach residents after string of purse snatching's

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, women are getting free lessons in self-defense after a string of purse snatches in the area have prompted the need for added ways to protect their personal safety, according to NBC affiliate, WMBF.

Former law enforcement officer Nelson Melendez runs a free once-a-month self-defense clinic for area women to learn proper ways to defend themselves against an attack.

The need for learning self-defense is becoming more real as a woman reported a purse snatching just days before one of the classes, she was knocked down as the suspect stole her belongings.

"It's probably the most important hour you can spend because it might save your life," said Myrtle Beach resident Mary Beth Gardiner, who attends the self defense seminars.

Through the easy-to-learn methods, Melendez hopes he can help empower women to fight back should they be involved in a similar situation.

Purse snatching is a real problem throughout many major cities in the U.S. Keeping your belongings close to your body and staying off cell phones or listening to music are other ways to prevent an attack, as when you're distracted you can become an easier target. Purchasing pepper spray to carry while you walk is another option to guard yourself should a situation arise.

Free self-defense classes offered for Myrtle Beach residents after string of purse snatching's

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, women are getting free lessons in self-defense after a string of purse snatches in the area have prompted the need for added ways to protect their personal safety, according to NBC affiliate, WMBF.

Former law enforcement officer Nelson Melendez runs a free once-a-month self-defense clinic for area women to learn proper ways to defend themselves against an attack.

The need for learning self-defense is becoming more real as a woman reported a purse snatching just days before one of the classes, she was knocked down as the suspect stole her belongings.

"It's probably the most important hour you can spend because it might save your life," said Myrtle Beach resident Mary Beth Gardiner, who attends the self defense seminars.

Through the easy-to-learn methods, Melendez hopes he can help empower women to fight back should they be involved in a similar situation.

Purse snatching is a real problem throughout many major cities in the U.S. Keeping your belongings close to your body and staying off cell phones or listening to music are other ways to prevent an attack, as when you're distracted you can become an easier target. Purchasing pepper spray to carry while you walk is another option to guard yourself should a situation arise.

Free self-defense classes offered for Myrtle Beach residents after string of purse snatching's

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, women are getting free lessons in self-defense after a string of purse snatches in the area have prompted the need for added ways to protect their personal safety, according to NBC affiliate, WMBF.

Former law enforcement officer Nelson Melendez runs a free once-a-month self-defense clinic for area women to learn proper ways to defend themselves against an attack.

The need for learning self-defense is becoming more real as a woman reported a purse snatching just days before one of the classes, she was knocked down as the suspect stole her belongings.

"It's probably the most important hour you can spend because it might save your life," said Myrtle Beach resident Mary Beth Gardiner, who attends the self defense seminars.

Through the easy-to-learn methods, Melendez hopes he can help empower women to fight back should they be involved in a similar situation.

Purse snatching is a real problem throughout many major cities in the U.S. Keeping your belongings close to your body and staying off cell phones or listening to music are other ways to prevent an attack, as when you're distracted you can become an easier target. Purchasing pepper spray to carry while you walk is another option to guard yourself should a situation arise.

Free self-defense classes offered for Myrtle Beach residents after string of purse snatching's

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, women are getting free lessons in self-defense after a string of purse snatches in the area have prompted the need for added ways to protect their personal safety, according to NBC affiliate, WMBF.

Former law enforcement officer Nelson Melendez runs a free once-a-month self-defense clinic for area women to learn proper ways to defend themselves against an attack.

The need for learning self-defense is becoming more real as a woman reported a purse snatching just days before one of the classes, she was knocked down as the suspect stole her belongings.

"It's probably the most important hour you can spend because it might save your life," said Myrtle Beach resident Mary Beth Gardiner, who attends the self defense seminars.

Through the easy-to-learn methods, Melendez hopes he can help empower women to fight back should they be involved in a similar situation.

Purse snatching is a real problem throughout many major cities in the U.S. Keeping your belongings close to your body and staying off cell phones or listening to music are other ways to prevent an attack, as when you're distracted you can become an easier target. Purchasing pepper spray to carry while you walk is another option to guard yourself should a situation arise.

Free self-defense classes offered for Myrtle Beach residents after string of purse snatching's

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, women are getting free lessons in self-defense after a string of purse snatches in the area have prompted the need for added ways to protect their personal safety, according to NBC affiliate, WMBF.

Former law enforcement officer Nelson Melendez runs a free once-a-month self-defense clinic for area women to learn proper ways to defend themselves against an attack.

The need for learning self-defense is becoming more real as a woman reported a purse snatching just days before one of the classes, she was knocked down as the suspect stole her belongings.

"It's probably the most important hour you can spend because it might save your life," said Myrtle Beach resident Mary Beth Gardiner, who attends the self defense seminars.

Through the easy-to-learn methods, Melendez hopes he can help empower women to fight back should they be involved in a similar situation.

Purse snatching is a real problem throughout many major cities in the U.S. Keeping your belongings close to your body and staying off cell phones or listening to music are other ways to prevent an attack, as when you're distracted you can become an easier target. Purchasing pepper spray to carry while you walk is another option to guard yourself should a situation arise.

Free self-defense classes offered for Myrtle Beach residents after string of purse snatching's

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, women are getting free lessons in self-defense after a string of purse snatches in the area have prompted the need for added ways to protect their personal safety, according to NBC affiliate, WMBF.

Former law enforcement officer Nelson Melendez runs a free once-a-month self-defense clinic for area women to learn proper ways to defend themselves against an attack.

The need for learning self-defense is becoming more real as a woman reported a purse snatching just days before one of the classes, she was knocked down as the suspect stole her belongings.

"It's probably the most important hour you can spend because it might save your life," said Myrtle Beach resident Mary Beth Gardiner, who attends the self defense seminars.

Through the easy-to-learn methods, Melendez hopes he can help empower women to fight back should they be involved in a similar situation.

Purse snatching is a real problem throughout many major cities in the U.S. Keeping your belongings close to your body and staying off cell phones or listening to music are other ways to prevent an attack, as when you're distracted you can become an easier target. Purchasing pepper spray to carry while you walk is another option to guard yourself should a situation arise.

Free self-defense classes offered for Myrtle Beach residents after string of purse snatching's

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, women are getting free lessons in self-defense after a string of purse snatches in the area have prompted the need for added ways to protect their personal safety, according to NBC affiliate, WMBF.

Former law enforcement officer Nelson Melendez runs a free once-a-month self-defense clinic for area women to learn proper ways to defend themselves against an attack.

The need for learning self-defense is becoming more real as a woman reported a purse snatching just days before one of the classes, she was knocked down as the suspect stole her belongings.

"It's probably the most important hour you can spend because it might save your life," said Myrtle Beach resident Mary Beth Gardiner, who attends the self defense seminars.

Through the easy-to-learn methods, Melendez hopes he can help empower women to fight back should they be involved in a similar situation.

Purse snatching is a real problem throughout many major cities in the U.S. Keeping your belongings close to your body and staying off cell phones or listening to music are other ways to prevent an attack, as when you're distracted you can become an easier target. Purchasing pepper spray to carry while you walk is another option to guard yourself should a situation arise.