Coyote Attack on Child in Oregon

A 9-year-old boy was attacked by a coyote while he was playing hide-and-seek in his yard in Oregon, according to local authorities.

Last week, as the boy and his younger sibling, a 3-year-old, played outside in Alameda, a wandering coyote approached and bit the older child’s leg. This information was relayed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in a recent statement.

The coyote then pursued the boy until his father, who had been on the porch, shouted at the animal to drive it away, officials reported.

The child was hospitalized with minor injuries, though details on his current condition haven’t been disclosed yet.

The day after the incident, wildlife officials investigated the area and distributed flyers to nearby residents to alert them about the recent coyote activity.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) plans to continue monitoring the area for any signs of coyotes and will collaborate with federal authorities to figure out the next steps to ensure public safety.

Officials noted that coyotes, which are medium-sized animals recognized by their pointed muzzles and bushy tails, inhabit various areas across Oregon, from urban settings to more natural landscapes.

Feeding these coyotes can lead to aggressive behavior and increases the risk of attacks.

Dave Cater, a district wildlife biologist for the ODFW, mentioned that they’ve witnessed noticeable changes in coyote behavior in recent years, describing this attack as a “very unusual incident.” He emphasized, however, that most encounters with coyotes are harmless.

Residents in Alameda are advised to closely supervise young children playing outside and to the best of their ability, to deter coyotes by shouting, using air horns, or making loud noises.