A young child sustained severe injuries following an assault by a coyote at a playground in Whitby, Ont., as confirmed by Durham police. The incident occurred at Vanier Park, where the two-year-old boy was attacked by the coyote on Sunday evening. The child suffered facial bites before the guardian and onlookers intervened to scare off the animal. The toddler was promptly taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Shortly after the playground incident, police responded to reports of another distressed coyote near Harriet and Annes streets. Officers located and safely removed the animal without any reported injuries.
Durham police are collaborating with the Town of Whitby, local animal services, and the Durham Region Health Department to investigate the incidents, monitor coyote activity, and mitigate the risk of future encounters. While acknowledging coyotes as a natural part of the local environment, the police emphasized the rarity of aggressive behavior towards humans and the seriousness with which such encounters are treated. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially in areas like parks, playgrounds, and trails, particularly during the early morning and evening hours when coyotes are most active.
These incidents follow recent reports of coyote encounters in the Durham Region, including another child in Whitby being hospitalized due to a coyote bite in a public field near a forested area. Public advisories have been issued urging caution, especially for pedestrians and pet owners using public spaces.
Coyote sightings in Whitby have surged, with 96 reported in the past month alone according to the town’s online dashboard. Similar situations have been observed in neighboring communities around Toronto, where York police issued warnings after two children were attacked recently. The City of Toronto also faced complaints last year about increased coyote presence in areas like Liberty Village, leading to the development of a new coyote strategy.
To ensure safety from coyotes, police recommend maintaining a safe distance if spotted, supervising children outdoors, keeping pets leashed, following guidance in areas with coyote sightings, avoiding known coyote habitats, and removing food attractants like unsecured garbage. In case of a coyote encounter, residents are advised to stay calm, make themselves appear larger, make loud noises, and back away slowly. Reporting any future coyote sightings to animal services is also encouraged.