2-year-old bitten in the face by coyote in southern Ontario playground

A toddler is recovering in hospital after being bitten in the face by a coyote in Whitby Sunday evening.

Durham Police responded to a call at Vanier Park in Whitby at 8:30 p.m. Sunday after a two-year-old was bitten in what police are calling an “unprovoked” attack. Police said the child was in a playground when the animal entered the park and attacked him. The child sustained bite injuries to his face before his guardian and several bystanders were able to scare the coyote away.

The child suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

Less than an hour later, police responded to another incident involving a different coyote near Harriet Street and Annes Street in Whitby. The animal was located by residents in distress and removed by officers. No physical injuries to residents have been reported in connection with this incident.

Durham Regional Police is working closely with the Town of Whitby, Durham Region Health Department, and Whitby Animal Services to investigate this incident, monitor coyote activity, and implement measures aimed at reducing the risk of future encounters.

“While coyotes are a natural part of our local environment and incidents involving aggressive behaviour towards humans are rare, these encounters are taken very seriously. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and proactive, particularly near parks, playgrounds, trails, and other natural areas, especially during the early morning and evening hours when coyotes are most active,” police said.

DRPS has offered some guidelines for dealing with coyote encounters to “help ensure the safety of yourself, your family and your pets.”

• Keep a safe distance from coyotes and never approach, feed or interact with them.
  • Supervise and keep children close.
  • Keep pets on a short leash.
  • Be aware of posted signage and follow any guidance.
  • Remove food attractants such as unsecured garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit.
  • If you encounter a coyote, remain calm, do not run, make loud noises and wave your arms. If approached, this will encourage them to leave the area.

Residents are encouraged to report coyote sightings and concerning behaviour to Animal Services so that trends can be monitored and “appropriate actions can be taken.

Whitby sightings can be reported to https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c25cdb9b80b44104b95b5752918be8f8

Anyone who witnesses a coyote exhibiting aggressive behaviour or posing an immediate threat to public safety is asked to call 9-1-1.