Boy, 2, bitten on face by coyote in latest Whitby attack
· Toronto Sun
The latest coyote attack in Whitby resulted in a two-year-old boy being bitten on his face.
Durham cops said the incident happened on Sunday around 8:30 p.m., at Vanier Park, while the toddler was in the playground area and a coyote entered the park and attacked him unprovoked.
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Police said the child sustained bite injuries to his face before his guardian and several bystanders came to his rescue and scared the coyote away.
Authorities said the child suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
Just under an hour later, Durham police said they responded to a separate incident involving a different coyote in the area of Harriet and Anne Sts. in Whitby.
The animal was located in distress by residents and removed by officers. No physical injuries were reported in connection with this incident.
Durham police are working closely with Whitby, the 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.
Late last month, Whitby regional councillor and mayoral candidate Chris Leahy called for coyote safety education in Whitby schools when classes resume in September following two attacks on children, including one on a eight-year-old child at a playground at Jack Miner Public School on May 15.
The later attack occurred on June 22 when a three-year-old boy was bitten by a coyote in Whitby in the area of Coronation and Rossland Rds.
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“Parents should not have to worry about their children being at risk while walking to school or playing outside,” Leahy said in a statement.
“Education is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce dangerous encounters and ensure children know how to react if they encounter a coyote.”
Leahy wants planning to begin during the summer so that information sessions can be ready to go in every public and Catholic elementary school when students return in September.
If elected as the mayor of Whitby, Leahy said he would introduce a Coyote Response Policy to co-ordinate efforts and establish a clear, community-wide response to coyote activity.
Leahy said the recent incidents — there were also two separate coyote attacks on children aged six and 16 in Markham in May — should serve as wake-up calls for the municipality.
“We cannot wait until another child is injured,” he said in a statement. “By bringing schools, parents, police and animal services together, Whitby can develop a proactive strategy that protects residents while promoting responsible coexistence with wildlife.”
Public told be vigilant in early morning-evening hours with small children, pets
Durham Regional Police are reminding the public to be vigilant if they encounter a coyote saying pedestrians and pet owners should exercise caution when using public spaces, particularly when accompanied by small children or pets, with coyotes most active during the early morning and early evening.
Anyone who witnesses a coyote exhibiting aggressive behaviour or posing an immediate threat to public safety is asked to call 9-1-1.
Residents are encouraged to report coyote sightings and concerning behaviour to Animal Services so trends can be monitored and action can be taken.
Whitby sightings can be reported here .