Conservation officers are warning the public after a two-year-old child was bitten by a coyote in Port Coquitlam Wednesday evening.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) said the attack happened just after 8 p.m. in Lions Park. The child was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The BCCOS said Coquitlam RCMP were dispatched and killed a coyote near the attack site.
“No other coyotes were found or seen in the area,” BCCOS Sgt. Todd Hunter told Global News.
“The Conservation Officer Service continues to investigate the incident. So far we’ve determined that the coyote had been feeding on unnatural food sources.”
The service is urging people not to feed wildlife, and said it will take enforcement action against anyone caught doing so.
Conservation officers will be working with Port Coquitlam on public outreach, signage and patrols regarding coyote attacks.
The BCCOS is also urging the public to take precautions including leashing their pets and travelling in groups.
More information on coyote safety can be found at WildSafeBC’s website.