Two-year-old child among victims of unprovoked coyote attacks in Burlington

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Published August 24, 2022 at 1:30 pm

The coyote believed responsible for three unprovoked attacks on humans in Burlington, including a two-year-old boy, has been put down.

The City of Burlington, with the expertise of a Certified Wildlife Control Professional, eliminated the coyote identified by its victims in recent unprovoked attacks on humans in south central Burlington.

Halton Regional Police were also present to ensure public safety and were ready to assist, if needed.

The third attack occurred last evening at the end of Market St., south of Lakeshore Rd.

According to a report filed with the City, an 18-year-old girl was lying in the grass at the municipal lookout when she felt a tug on her hair. She turned to see a coyote which then bit and scratched her leg as she stood up. The girl was taken for medical attention and was released.

The two other recent attacks were also unprovoked but during the day.

The first was on a female adult on the Centennial Multiuse Trail at Seneca Avenue in the morning. The coyote jumped and bit her from behind.

The second was on a two-and-a-half year old toddler seated on a deck in his fenced backyard less than two kilometres east of the first attack. There was no food, small animals or any other activity to attract the coyote. The toddler was also bitten on the back of the neck. Both victims were treated at Joseph Brant Hospital and released.

The attacks are uncharacteristic of coyotes and are the first reported attacks on humans in Burlington.

Anyone who sees a coyote is encouraged to let the City know by submitting an online report or calling 905-335-3030.

Reporting coyote sightings, or potential problems related to overgrown building sites, garbage or someone intentionally or accidentally feeding a coyote, helps the City monitor the location and activity of coyotes in the community.

Coyotes are native to North America and can be found living in urban and rural areas. These are the first reported coyote attacks on humans in Burlington.

In 2015, Burlington City Council approved a Coyote Response Strategy that provides guidelines on preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes.

Concerns about direct or indirect feeding of wildlife can be reported to Animal Control at [email protected]

Hand feeding and ground feeding wildlife on private or public property is prohibited by the city’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw (59-2018) and is subject to a $300 fine.

To request an audit of your yard for coyote attractants by city Animal Control staff, email [email protected].

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