Dog’s Nighttime Barking Mystery Solved by Coyote Encounter

David and Annette Simpson have unraveled the enigma behind their dog’s nighttime barking at their cabin in Southern California. Early morning surveillance footage captured the cause—three coyotes right outside their front door in the San Bernardino Mountains.

These wild animals weren’t there for idle chatter; they were engaged in a prolonged 40-minute skirmish starting around 1 a.m. on Sunday. Although the couple wasn’t present at their cabin during the confrontation, their surveillance cameras recorded the entire event.

Annette Simpson shared their discovery in an interview with KTLA, saying, “We wonder why our dog barks in the middle of the night, and now we know.” For the Simpsons, this is a first—having seen bears and other wildlife—but never a coyote fight right at their doorstep.

Despite the close encounter, Annette Simpson expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I think it’s pretty cool. We really enjoy watching the wildlife and just so close.” Although she enjoys observing wildlife, Annette is reconsidering allowing her cats outside due to the proximity of these coyotes.