A man was attacked by three wild coyotes in Washington last week. Faron Scarberry was forced to stay in hospital after the Dec. 28 attack, which took place while he was out in his backyard with his dog.

"They were coming around the bush and I guess they were going after my puggle." Scarberry said, according to Komo News.

The fearless coyotes attacked Scarberry while he was walking his dog near his home in Kent, Washington. "One of them lunged up towards me and I kind of pushed it away with my hand and its front claws scratched my hand and wrist," he said. "Then one of the grabbed me by the pant leg and started shaking my leg so I just started kicking and hitting at them to get them off of me and they ran back under the fence."

Scarberry, who had only moved to Kent less than one month ago, was rushed to the emergency room after the attack. He was treated for coyote bites and scratches by receiving 26 rabies injections.

Coyotes, which are known to eat almost anything, are typically out looking for food at this time of year, according to wildlife experts. Scarberry said the pack probably saw his dog - a puggle- as a food source.

Wild coyotes are known to eat small mammals, including praire dogs, squirrels, deer, and livestock. They are known to attack household pets when food sources such as rats and fruits become scarce.