Officials are warning people to be on the lookout for coyotes after a 9-year-old was grabbed by one in Portland’s Alameda neighborhood on Oct. 23.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the child was outside playing in their yard with another child when the coyote appeared. The coyote grabbed the 9-year-old by the foot.
The child was able to shake off their sock and run away. The coyote chased the child until their dad was able to intervene.
According to ODFW, the child was taken to a nearby hospital for minor injuries.
Officials are investigating the incident and asking neighbors to stay aware. If you do come across a coyote, ODFW says to scare it off by making loud noises or yelling.
Coyotes are found across Oregon, including urban areas. They mainly eat rodents, fruits and nuts – but will consume any food they can find.
People are encouraged to remove any food they might have laying outside. ODFW is working with conservation groups and other agencies to determine their next steps.
