A 16-month-old child has been injured in a coyote attack in Atwater Village, Los Angeles, prompting wildlife officials to euthanise an animal found near the scene while DNA testing is carried out to establish whether it was responsible.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers were called to the 3300 block of Glenhurst Avenue on Friday, 16 October, after reports that the toddler had been hurt in an incident involving a coyote. The child was taken to hospital and later released. ([abc7.com](https://abc7.com/story/coyote-euthanized-16-month-old-child-injured-atwater-village/19952828/?utm_source=openai))
Officials later located a coyote in the same area and put it down. Samples taken from both the child and the animal are being analysed to determine whether it was the coyote involved in the attack. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/coyote-euthanized-after-child-is-injured-during-interaction-in-atwater-village/?intcid=CNR-02-0623&utm_source=openai))
The circumstances of the incident, including the precise nature of the child’s injuries, have not been disclosed by authorities.
The attack has renewed concerns among residents, some of whom said they had reported an unusually bold coyote in the neighbourhood for months. The animal had reportedly been nicknamed “Wiley” and was sometimes seen chasing children and approaching homes. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/coyote-euthanized-after-child-is-injured-during-interaction-in-atwater-village/?intcid=CNR-02-0623&utm_source=openai))
Neighbours also raised suspicions that someone may have been feeding the coyote, although authorities have not confirmed that claim. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has said feeding wildlife is illegal. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/coyote-euthanized-after-child-is-injured-during-interaction-in-atwater-village/?intcid=CNR-02-0623&utm_source=openai))
A community meeting is due to take place on Tuesday to discuss the incident and concerns about coyotes in Atwater Village.
Wildlife officials have advised people to keep their distance from coyotes and back away slowly if one approaches. Small children and pets should be kept close, while loud noises and raised arms can be used to make a person appear larger.
If a coyote makes physical contact, the department advises people to fight back before calling animal control or 911.
