Los Angeles coyote bit toddler after residents’ warnings went unanswered

A coyote bit a 16-month-old boy in his family’s backyard in Atwater Village, Los Angeles, on Friday, then followed him and his mother into their home. The child was taken to hospital and released; state wildlife officers later euthanised the coyote. Residents say repeated warnings about the animal’s growing comfort around people were not acted on before the child was injured.

Wildlife expert Rebecca Dmytryk said she filed a formal complaint in late July but received no response, while neighbours had also reported the coyote chasing a cat and scratching at a screen door. One resident alleged that a neighbour had been feeding it since January, but a May inspection found no evidence warranting a violation. Los Angeles Animal Services said it responded to complaints and coordinated with state officials; it said officers would not capture the coyote unless it was involved in an incident, and state authorities are investigating.