A coyote that twice bit a 4-year-old child in a frightening attack caught on video while he and family members were unloading groceries from a vehicle in Carson has been euthanized, state wildlife officials confirmed Friday.
Deputies were notified by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife about the attack, which occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m. on Tuesday in the 400 block of Moorehaven Drive, according to the Carson Sheriff’s Station.
Sheriff’s officials said the child sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The boy received the initial rabies inoculation and antibiotics, according to one report. Rabies vaccines require multiple injections over a two-week period.
Home security video showed a small coyote pouncing on the downed child before running off.
DNA testing confirmed that the same coyote had been involved in a previous incident last year.
Searches for the coyote led to the animal being captured and killed on Thursday, California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed to local broadcast outlets, which reported that others have come forward to report coyote encounters.
Sheriff’s personnel reminded the public to:
— Always supervise children outdoors;
— Keep pets on a leash and within close proximity;
— Avoid leaving food or trash accessible;
— Secure yards and remove potential attractants; and
— Report aggressive wildlife immediately.
Anyone with information regarding the attack, or who witnesses aggressive wildlife, is urged to call the Carson Sheriff’s Station at 310-830-1123. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife can be reached at 858-467-4257.