Coyote, American jackal or prairie wolf, Canis latrans, surviving in dry desert conditions. Death Valley, California, — The personnel, part of the Alaska National Guardsmen, were injured when they came across up to four of the wild animals during training in Louisiana at Fort Johnson (Picture: Bob Gibbons/Alamy Stock Photo).

USA

Six Alaska National Guardsmen attacked by Coyotes at Joint Readiness Training Centre

At least six US military personnel have been attacked by coyotes during a deployment to the Joint Readiness Training Centre in the USA.

The personnel, part of the Alaska National Guardsmen, were injured when they came across up to four of the wild animals during training in Louisiana at Fort Johnson.

The soldiers assigned to 297th Infantry Regiment were left with bite marks to both their arms and heads - receiving treatment to their wounds before being released from medical care.

Whilst the soldiers were armed, they were training with blanks.

One of the coyotes was shot by Fort Johnson wildlife officials, with another captured so a test for rabies could be carried out.

US soldiers are briefed before training not to interact with wildlife.

Coyotes are a member of the dog family that is smaller and lighter than a wolf and are found throughout the US and Canada.