Coyote in Port Coquitlam attacks 2-year-old

The BC Conservation Officer Service says a two-year-old has been attacked by a coyote in Port Coquitlam.

The conservation service says the attack happened just after 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lions Park between Highway 7 and Kingsway Avenue.

The child was bitten and was taken to hospital with minor injuries, the service says.

Coquitlam RCMP Corp. Alexa Hodgins says officers received reports from the BCCOS about the coyote just after 7 p.m.

“Conservation officers were on route but they were coming from Chilliwack at the time so they contacted Coquitlam RCMP, who were closer to the park,” she explained.

Hodgins says officers arrived and were “immediately approached by several people” who reported seeing the animal and expressed safety concerns.

“Police officers then attempted to tell people that were in the park to leave and they were successful in getting people to leave the park,” she told CityNews, adding they were successful in getting many out.

Lions Park in Port Coquitlam, B.C. on Thursday May 11th, 2023. (CityNews Image)

However, Hodgins says the attack appeared to have happened during that time.

Officers eventually were able to find the coyote near where the child was attacked. The animal was killed “to end the threat to public safety.”

“Conservation officers arrived shortly after to do the follow up investigation. Patrols were made in the area. No other coyotes were found or seen in the area,” BCCOS Sgt. Todd Hunter explained.

Coyote had consumed ‘non-natural food sources’

The conservation service says an examination of the animal showed that it had consumed “non-natural food sources.”

“The #BCCOS cannot stress enough the importance of not feeding dangerous wildlife and will take enforcement action as warranted,” the service wrote on social media.

“The #BCCOS also urges people to take precautions in case of coyote encounters, including leashing pets and travelling in groups.”

The service is now working with the City of Port Coquitlam on public outreach, including signage and added patrols.

-With files from Martin MacMahon