Posted: 21:31, 30 April 2022 | Updated: 22:23, 30 April 2022
Wildlife officials euthanized the coyote believed to have attacked a toddler on a California beach after it was found hidden under a nearby trailer house.
Authorities are looking for the coyote who attacked the little girl and bit her face on Huntington Beach on Thursday.
The unknown girl, who is believed to be two or three years old, was transported to the hospital by ambulance to deal with the serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
During the search for the animal that carried out the attack, the authorities shot two coyotes on the beach, which fled.
A young man was savagely attacked by a coyote on Huntington Beach in California. The animal can be seen wandering to the left end of the frame
The incident occurred when a mother took her two children to the ocean to paddle. She did not notice what was happening to one of her children just a few meters away
The coyote jumped and rushed on the young woman hitting her on the sand
The girl’s face was tanned for about 15 seconds before an adult threw the animal away
One of the coyotes was found dead on the beach on Friday morning and transported for a rabies test, but it is not believed to have been the animal responsible for the attack.
California Fish and Wildlife Department officers have since arrested an injured coyote they found under a trailer near the pier and euthanized him, said Capt. Patrick Foy.
Police believe this is the coyote responsible for the attack, but will not know for sure until they test the body to compare its DNA with the girl’s bite wounds, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Authorities will test both animal carcasses for rabies.
“There is no evidence that the coyote was in tears, but this test will certainly help alleviate any concerns the family may have,” Foy said.
The disturbing attack against the girl was recorded in police footage on the beach.
He showed the infant being softened by a coyote for 15 seconds before being noticed by his family members.
Two coyotes were shot dead by officials later Thursday night. One of the coyotes was found dead on the beach on Friday morning and transported for a rabies test, but is not believed to have been the animal responsible for the attack.
The young woman, who is expected to fully recover, then got up and ran to one of her parents, who reacted with horror.
The little girl was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Foy could not say why the attack took place. The family did not seem to do anything to provoke the wild animals.
Such encounters are relatively rare, Foye suggested to people who encounter wildlife to try to scare them by making loud noises.
“Do not feed them. “This is the most important thing we can do as a society to keep coyotes from feeling very comfortable with people.”
