Coyote bites 5-year-old at iconic California park, officials say. Now 3 coyotes killed

A coyote bit a 5-year-old girl at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, leading to the killings of three coyotes, California wildlife officials and news outlets reported.

DNA tests show one of the coyotes bit the girl at the park on Friday, June 28, Capt. Patrick Foy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife told McClatchy News by email.

The girl was taking part in a day camp at the San Francisco Botanical Garden inside the park, officials told KGO.

“A coyote aggressively went after one of the kids — a 5-year-old girl — and bit her on the butt,” Foy told the station. She was treated at a hospital and is expected to recover.

The botanical garden was closed after the incident but has since reopened to the public, KTVU reported.

Wildlife officers said they shot and killed three coyotes spotted near where the girl was bitten over the weekend, the station reported.

One matched DNA collected from the girl’s injury, Foy told McClatchy News. State and federal wildlife officials have closed their investigation of the incident.

Coyote advocate Janet Kessler called the deaths of the three animals “horrible” and a “knee-jerk reaction,” SFGate reported. She said the animals were defending a nearby den.

San Francisco officials estimate around 100 coyotes live in the city, according to SFGate.

What to know about coyotes

Coyotes can be found almost anywhere in North America, including in cities and neighborhoods, according to National Geographic.

“Adaptability—that’s the main reason for the success of the coyote. A coyote is naturally adaptable because it eats such a wide range of food,” National Geographic reported. “If it can’t find mice or voles to eat, lizards, insects, or even garbage will do.”

Here’s how experts say you can avoid conflicts with coyotes:

• Don’t feed coyotes: Feeding a coyote in a residential neighborhood can cause the animal to lose its fear of people.

• Don’t let pets run loose: If coyotes live nearby, don’t let pets out without a leash.

• Don’t run from a coyote: Instead, you should shout, wave your arms or throw something in its direction.

• Don’t haze or aggravate a calm coyote: If the animal is avoiding humans and pets, leave it alone.

• Report aggressive coyotes: If the coyote doesn’t show fear toward humans, let wildlife officials know.

This story was originally published July 2, 2024 at 9:17 AM with the headline "Coyote bites 5-year-old at iconic California park, officials say. Now 3 coyotes killed."