They are native to Alabama, but one Gardendale family's encounter with a coyote turned dangerous when it attacked their dog.  "The doctor said he didn't know if he was going to make it or not, we all figured the worst," said Florence. After being viciously attacked by the wild animal, the beagle had ripped skin and several puncture wounds. The pet, Andy, was playing with his brother Buzz in the backyard when the coyote attacked. "I found my dog lying in the woods and he was unable to move at the time, so I had to pick him up and bring him home," Florence explained. When confronted most coyotes run away, but this one wasn't afraid. "He turned around and came back, then stood about 20 yards from me. That's what concerned me, the lack of fear," Florence said.Scott Kayser, a predator keeper at the Birmingham Zoo says it's not common for coyotes to attack pets. "They will pretty much stick to themselves; they're nervous and skittish," Kayser says. But, he adds, it is typical to have coyotes in this area. "To keep your pets safe keep your pet food inside and all your garbage sealed so coyotes can't get into it," Kayser explains. "Don't give a reason for them to come to your backyard." Two-year-old Andy survived surgery and is expected to be OK.