Footage from a security camera captured the scary moment that a large bald eagle nearly made off with a small Yorkshire Terrier named Coco after grabbing it from a porch in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
Justin Dudoward posted the video on his Facebook account on June 19 where it amassed nearly 300,000 views.
The 23-second clip stunned viewers, though many were relieved to see that Coco somehow managed to get out of the eagle’s grip and run back into the house.
Footage from a security camera showed the moment that a bald eagle snatched a small dog from a porch and tried to fly away with it. Here, a stock image of a bald eagle.
According to The Spruce Pets, small dogs and puppies, particularly toy or miniature breeds, are among the most at risk of being attacked by a bird of prey.
“Large raptors will routinely attack animals that weigh up to 20 pounds as part of a hunt,” the organization noted. “Many birds of prey will even attack larger animals, including humans if the bird feels its nest or young are threatened.”
To best protect these pets, The Spruce Pets recommended that owners stay outside with their pets and feed them indoors.
“The best thing a pet owner can do to safeguard their companions against bird attacks is to be aware of birds in the area,” the outlet stated. “If raptors are known to nest or roost nearby, avoid walking or exercising pets in that area.”
In Dudoward’s video, Coco is seen on the porch before the eagle suddenly swooped in and grabbed her. Coco’s cries could be heard as the bird flew off camera.
Somehow, the small pup managed to get free from the eagle and she is seen running quickly back into the house.
Dudoward spoke with USA Today’s For the Win and said he did not see Coco get taken by the eagle but only heard her crying.
He told Newsweek that although there are many eagles in the area, it is rare for them to swoop into people’s yards.
Coco suffered a puncture wound and her intestine was also injured, but she recovered at the veterinarian within three to four days.
Dudoward said he saw her running back inside, but it wasn’t until the following day that he watched what unfolded on video.
Viewers took to the comments section to remark on Coco’s luck.
“Glad your dog is OK,” a Facebook user wrote. “Probably suffered some serious shock over the ordeal. And to catch it on vid. Amazing!”
Commented another, “Holy s**t! That’s intense man glad the eagle let her go! Poor Coco.”
“So freaking scary,” one Facebook user wrote.
Dudoward said he now keeps Coco close and on a leash when he goes outside.
