Video captures coyote chasing young girl in Chicago suburb

Girl's mother says she's unharmed, and local authorities are on alert

A five-year-old girl had a close shave when a coyote chased her while she was playing in her garden.

Video from a home surveillance camera in a Chicago, Illinois suburb captured the moment the animal ran up to Christine Pryzbylski while she walked towards a swing.

She is seen skipping along near two parked cars in her home's driveway, while the coyote watches from the street.

As she walks towards a tree swing, the coyote suddenly bolts across the lawn. Christine runs back towards the house, and the coyote gives chase, appearing to come in close contact with her before it runs off.

Her mother, Elizabeth Przybylski, told NBC’s Chicago affiliate that her daughter was not harmed. She said she had heard her scream before returning to the house with a "wild story".

The neighbourhood's Facebook page said Villa Park Police had alerted the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and the Illinois Conservation Police.

According to the Forest Preserve, coyote encounters are not uncommon, and much like dogs, the animals test their limits around contact with humans and adjust their behaviour accordingly.

“Unless they associate people with negative experiences, such as loud noises, they can become comfortable walking down streets or sidewalks or near schools, basking in yards or parks, and shortening the distance between themselves and humans”, according to the Forest Preserve