3-Year-Old Narrowly Escapes 'Giant Coyote' on Driveway

Home security footage captures toddler's close encounter with coyote in Pasadena, California

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 3-year-old boy named Salvo Bessemer narrowly escaped an encounter with a large coyote while walking out onto the driveway of his Pasadena, California home. Home security footage shows Salvo running back inside as the coyote closely followed behind him. Salvo's mother Aida Svelto said the coyote was "pretty big, so it was scary." Pasadena Humane's director of PR and communications Kevin McManus explained that coyotes are more active this time of year due to mating season.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing presence of coyotes in urban and suburban areas, raising concerns about public safety, especially for young children. It also underscores the need for increased awareness and precautions among residents to protect themselves and their families from potential coyote encounters.

The details

The home security footage captured Salvo Bessemer, 3, walking out onto the driveway of his Pasadena home. As he stepped outside, a large coyote quickly followed behind him, prompting Salvo to run back inside while letting out a terrified scream. Salvo's mother, Aida Svelto, said she was shocked to see the "big, giant coyote" at their front door. Salvo's father, Leonard Bessemer, was "flabbergasted" when he reviewed the footage, as coyotes are typically only seen on the street in their neighborhood.

  • On Monday, Feb. 23, the incident was captured on home security footage.

The players

Salvo Bessemer

A 3-year-old boy who narrowly escaped an encounter with a coyote in the driveway of his Pasadena home.

Aida Svelto

Salvo's mother, who was shocked to see the "big, giant coyote" at their front door.

Leonard Bessemer

Salvo's father, who was "flabbergasted" when he reviewed the security footage of the incident.

Kevin McManus

The director of PR and communications for Pasadena Humane, who explained that coyotes are more active this time of year due to mating season.

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What they’re saying

“It's one thing to see them go after a chihuahua or rabbit or whatever, but he's pretty big, so it was scary.”

— Aida Svelto, Salvo's mother (ABC7)

“[Aida] texted me. She's like, 'A coyote just chased Sal.' And I was like, 'How?' I checked the cameras. I was flabbergasted.”

— Leonard Bessemer, Salvo's father (ABC7)

“We're going to be seeing them. We have seen them more in the last few weeks. Just be extra cautious. Keep an eye on your kids. Keep an eye on your pets.”

— Kevin McManus, Director of PR and communications, Pasadena Humane (ABC7)

What’s next

Pasadena Humane officials are advising residents to be extra vigilant and keep a close eye on their children and pets due to the increased coyote activity in the area.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened awareness and precautions in urban and suburban areas where coyotes are becoming more prevalent. It highlights the importance of educating the community on how to safely coexist with these wild animals and take steps to protect vulnerable family members.