A young child sustained severe injuries following an encounter with a coyote at a playground in Whitby, Ontario, where multiple sightings have been reported recently, according to Durham police. The incident took place at Vanier Park on Sunday evening, where a two-year-old boy was attacked by a coyote, resulting in facial bites before the animal was scared away by the boy’s guardian and bystanders. The child was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Shortly after, police received reports of another coyote in distress in the vicinity of Harriet and Annes streets. The officers located the animal and safely removed it without any reported injuries. Durham police are collaborating with the Town of Whitby, local animal services, and the Durham Region Health Department to investigate the incidents, monitor coyote activities, and mitigate the risk of future encounters.
Following multiple recent coyote incidents in Durham, including a previous child bite case, authorities issued a public advisory urging caution, especially in public spaces. The incidents coincide with a surge in coyote sightings in Whitby over the past month, as indicated by the town’s online dashboard. Similar concerns have been raised in neighboring communities like Toronto, where instances of coyote attacks have prompted the city to develop a comprehensive coyote strategy.
In light of these events, police have shared safety tips for dealing with coyotes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance, supervising children and pets, following guidelines in coyote-prone areas, and promptly reporting sightings to animal services. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially in areas like parks, playgrounds, trails, and natural habitats, particularly during coyotes’ peak activity hours in the early morning and evening.