A dramatic rescue in the river valley after a woman and her dogs encountered a large pack of coyotes Thursday night.

EFR says the woman was walking her three dogs along the river's embankment in Terwillegar South, when they were approached by upwards of nine coyotes.

"Her dogs got scared, the smaller one ran and the coyotes chased her," said District Fire Chief Ron Sawchuk.

The dog ran down the ravine onto the frozen river, and the woman followed, hoping to rescue her pet. 

She realized she was in trouble when she noticed the ice wasn't safe, and she tried to get back up the 20-foot embankment but couldn't.

She called for help around 8:20 p.m.

"She had a cell phone with her, she called 911," said Sawchuk. "EPS were first on scene, then fire crews arrived - there were about 7 fire crews - and technical rescue responded and EMS."

The woman - who was still with two of her dogs - was helped to safety and was not hurt.

Rescue crews then turned their focus to the smaller dog on the ice.

"Technical rescue went down with the banana boat that we use for ice rescue and proceeded to try an attempt at the rescue. They were successful at getting to the smaller dog," said Sawchuk.

Sawchuk says the dog was injured, and was bandaged up on scene, before being transported to a veterinary clinic.

"All the agencies worked really well together, for a successful rescue."

Residents who live nearby told CTV News there is a growing concern about coyotes, and some people are afraid to walk in the area at night.

"There's a two pack that frequents the area quite a bit," said Kari. "At first I thought they were dogs off leash coming at me, then I realized that they were coyotes and it was enough to make you a bit intimated and scared."

Officials say residents shouldn't be concerned, just aware.

"We've recently put signages up in that area and we'll be patrolling through the area trying to inform people," said Park Ranger Ramsey Cox.

Officials say keeping your dog on a leash is a must and advise keeping a noise maker on you as coyotes are easily spooked.

With files from Dan Grummett