Coyote Follows 3-Year-Old Boy Home in Pasadena

Surveillance video captures concerning incident in California neighborhood.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Surveillance footage shows a coyote following a 3-year-old boy named Salvo Bessemer toward his home in Pasadena, California earlier this week. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Monday, February 23 on Tamarac Drive as the young boy was exiting his gated courtyard to greet his father.

Why it matters

Coyote sightings and encounters with children are increasingly common in urban and suburban areas of California, raising concerns about public safety and the need for better wildlife management. This incident highlights the importance of supervision and safety precautions for young children in neighborhoods where coyotes are present.

The details

In the video, the coyote is seen following closely behind Salvo as he walks toward the driveway. Salvo's father, Leonard Bessemer, said the family has a rule that the young boy is not allowed to go to the gate without an adult present, underscoring the need for constant supervision in areas with wildlife.

  • The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Salvo Bessemer

A 3-year-old boy who was followed by a coyote near his home in Pasadena, California.

Leonard Bessemer

The father of Salvo Bessemer, who has a rule that his young son is not allowed to go to the gate without an adult present.

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What they’re saying

“We made a rule that he's not to go to the gate without one of us,”

— Leonard Bessemer, Father of Salvo Bessemer (wn.com)

What’s next

The Pasadena Police Department and local wildlife authorities are investigating the incident and assessing any potential risks to the neighborhood.

The takeaway

This concerning encounter highlights the need for heightened awareness and safety precautions when young children are playing outdoors in areas where coyotes have been spotted. Constant adult supervision is crucial to protect children from wildlife threats.