A two-year-old boy is recovering after a coyote attacked him at a Whitby playground on Sunday evening, according to a Durham Regional Police news release.
Officers from Central West Division were called to Vanier Park at 99 Vanier Street at about 8:30 p.m. on July 5 to assist paramedics. Police said the child was in the playground area when a coyote entered the park and attacked him without provocation.
The coyote bit the toddler's face before his guardian and several bystanders intervened and scared the animal away, police said.
The child suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Second coyote call the same night
Roughly 50 minutes later, at about 9:20 p.m., Central West Division officers responded to a separate report involving a different coyote near Harriet Street and Annes Street in Whitby. Residents found the animal in distress, and officers removed it from the area. Police said no residents were physically injured in that incident.
Police said they are working with the Town of Whitby, the Durham Region Health Department and Whitby Animal Services to investigate the attack, monitor coyote activity and put measures in place to reduce the risk of future encounters.
What residents should know
Police noted that coyotes are a natural part of the local environment and that aggressive behaviour toward humans is rare, but urged residents to stay vigilant near parks, playgrounds, trails and other natural areas — particularly in the early morning and evening, when coyotes are most active.
Among the safety tips issued by police: keep a safe distance and never approach, feed or interact with coyotes; supervise children closely; keep pets on a short leash; pay attention to posted signage; and remove food attractants such as unsecured garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit.
Anyone who encounters a coyote is advised to remain calm, avoid running, and instead make loud noises and wave their arms, which encourages the animal to leave the area.
Residents are asked to report coyote sightings and concerning behaviour to Whitby Animal Services so trends can be tracked and action taken. Anyone who sees a coyote acting aggressively or posing an immediate threat to public safety is asked to call 9-1-1.
