Police have issued a public safety warning after a coyote bit a child at Bruce Boyd Parkette in Markham on Sunday night. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., prompting an immediate response from York Regional Police and animal control officers.
Details of the Incident
The child, whose age has not been disclosed, was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. Authorities are searching for the coyote, which was last seen fleeing into a wooded area near the park. Residents are advised to avoid the area and report any sightings to wildlife officials.
Precautionary Measures
Police urge the public to keep pets on leashes, avoid feeding wildlife, and supervise children closely in green spaces. Coyotes are known to be active during dawn and dusk, and encounters can occur if they become habituated to human food sources.
This is not the first coyote incident in the region; earlier this year, several pets were attacked in nearby neighborhoods. Wildlife experts emphasize that removing attractants like garbage and pet food can reduce risks. The investigation is ongoing.
