A two-year-old boy sustained bite injuries to his face after a coyote attacked him unprovoked at a playground in Whitby, Ontario, on Sunday evening. Durham Regional Police reported the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. at Vanier Park, where the toddler was playing when a coyote entered the area and attacked. The child's guardian and several bystanders intervened, scaring the animal away. The boy was taken to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Second Coyote Incident Same Evening
Less than an hour later, police responded to a separate coyote incident near Harriet and Anne Streets in Whitby. Residents located an animal in distress, and officers removed it. No physical injuries were reported in that case.
Durham police are collaborating with the Town of Whitby, Durham Region Health Department, and Whitby Animal Services to investigate the attacks, monitor coyote activity, and implement measures to reduce future encounters.
Ongoing Coyote Attacks Prompt Calls for Education
This attack follows two earlier incidents involving children in Whitby. On May 15, an eight-year-old child was attacked at Jack Miner Public School playground, and on June 22, a three-year-old boy was bitten near Coronation and Rossland Roads.
Whitby Regional Councillor and mayoral candidate Chris Leahy has called for coyote safety education in schools when classes resume in September. “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 over the summer so information sessions can be ready for every public and Catholic elementary school. If elected mayor, he said he would introduce a Coyote Response Policy to coordinate efforts and establish a clear community-wide response. He noted that similar attacks in Markham in May — on children aged six and 16 — should serve as wake-up calls. “We cannot wait until another child is injured,” he stated.
Public Safety Reminders
Durham Regional Police remind residents to be vigilant, especially during early morning and early evening when coyotes are most active. Pedestrians and pet owners should exercise caution in public spaces, particularly with small children or pets. Anyone witnessing aggressive coyote behaviour or an immediate threat should call 9-1-1. Residents are encouraged to report sightings and concerning behaviour to Animal Services so trends can be monitored.
