A 9-year-old child in Oregon was bitten by a coyote while playing hide-and-seek in a Portland neighborhood, prompting state wildlife officials to warn parents to closely supervise children outdoors and to scare off any coyotes that appear.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the incident occurred Thursday evening around 6:15 p.m. in Portland’s Alameda neighborhood. Two children, ages 9 and 3, were playing outside when a coyote approached the older child and grabbed their foot. The child, who was wearing socks but no shoes, managed to shake free and run away while the coyote gave chase.
The child’s father shouted from the porch, causing the animal to flee. The 9-year-old was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries.
In response, ODFW staff immediately launched an investigation, canvassed the neighborhood, and posted flyers warning residents. Officials have continued to monitor the area and are working with city, state, and federal partners to determine appropriate next steps.
Residents are urged to supervise young children, keep pets leashed or indoors, remove food attractants such as garbage and pet food, and use loud noises or thrown objects to scare away bold coyotes.
“Under no circumstances should people provide food to coyotes or other predators,” ODFW emphasized. “Feeding by humans is frequently associated with attacks and aggressive behavior.”
Coyotes are common throughout Oregon, including in Portland neighborhoods, and typically feed on rodents, fruit, and nuts.
For more information and safety tips, residents are encouraged to stay informed and cautious when spending time outdoors.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/oregon-child-attacked-coyote-during-game-hide-and-seek-backyard-state-officials-sound-alarm