THE DAILY WIRE · CALIFORNIA, USA · 2026-08-26
Coyote Wins Turf War Against Bear, No Lawyers Involved
In a Los Angeles backyard standoff that required no permits, no mediators, and apparently no fear, a coyote appears to have scared off a bear outside a private home, according to video circulating this week.
The footage shows the smaller animal approaching the bear with what witnesses describe as total disregard for the size difference, after which the bear reportedly retreated. Homeowners say the encounter lasted only moments before both animals dispersed.
This reporter has long held that confidence is undefeated currency in the animal kingdom, and this week's footage appears to confirm it. The bear, larger in every measurable way, simply left. No known law of nature fully explains this. This reporter has a few guesses.
Reached for comment near a trash can two blocks over, Meemaw Trish, a backyard opossum who has weathered her share of Los Angeles wildlife politics, offered her read on what actually happened.
The coyote could not be reached for comment, having already moved on to its next dispute. This reporter does not expect an apology from anyone involved.
“Honey, that coyote didn't do nothing special, I've been running off bigger critters than that since before this neighborhood had a Starbucks. Trick is you never let 'em see you blink, and if all else fails, play dead till they leave, works every time.” — Meemaw Trish, backyard opossum
Open this column on the Daily Wire →
Zoos News — Real News. Real Animals. The stories are real; the columnist has eight eyes. Home · Wire archive