Coyote killed after attacking child in Metro Vancouver park

PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. – A coyote has attacked a two-year-old child in the Metro Vancouver community of Port Coquitlam, resulting in the toddler being sent to hospital with minor injuries.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says on Twitter that the attack happened Wednesday after 8 p.m. at Lions Park near the town centre.

The service says Coquitlam RCMP officers killed a coyote near the attack scene, and a search of the park did not turn up other animals.

Coyote Attack |

The #BCCOS is investigating after a 2-year-old child was attacked by a coyote last night in #PortCoquitlam

The incident took place shortly after 8 p.m. at Lions Park. The child was bitten by a coyote and taken to hospital with minor injuries.

— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) May 11, 2023

It says on Twitter the coyote ate "non-natural food sources," later clarifying that it had consumed peanuts and dog food.

The service says the public should not feed dangerous wildlife under any circumstances, and violators will incur "enforcement action as warranted."

Wildlife experts say feeding coyotes is one of the biggest causes of attacks, as the animals lose fear of people and may then try to test humans as possible prey.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2023.