A young child sustained severe injuries following a coyote attack at a playground in Whitby, Ontario, amidst a series of recent coyote sightings in the area, according to Durham police. The incident occurred at Vanier Park where a two-year-old boy was attacked by a coyote on Sunday evening, biting him on the face before being scared off by his guardian and onlookers. The child was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Shortly after, police responded to reports of another distressed coyote near Harriet and Annes streets. The animal was located and safely removed without causing any harm. Durham police, in collaboration with the Town of Whitby, local animal services, and the Durham Region Health Department, are actively investigating the incidents, monitoring coyote activity, and taking preventive measures to minimize the risk of future encounters.
Following a recent incident where another child was bitten by a coyote near a forested area, authorities issued a public warning due to the increasing number of coyote incidents in the Durham Region. Public advisories urged caution, especially for pedestrians and pet owners, when using public spaces. Whitby has reported 96 coyote sightings in the last month, as indicated on the town’s online dashboard.
Communities in and around Toronto have also faced similar challenges with coyote sightings. Last month, York police issued a warning after two children were attacked, while Toronto responded to complaints about an uptick in coyote activity in the Liberty Village neighborhood, leading to the development of a new coyote strategy.
To ensure safety from coyotes, police offered the following tips: maintain a safe distance if encountered, supervise children outdoors, follow signage in coyote-populated areas, avoid known coyote habitats, eliminate food attractants, and remain calm in the presence of a coyote, making loud noises and backing away slowly. Residents were advised to report any future coyote sightings to animal services for prompt action.