Port Coquitlam parents on edge after coyote attack in Lions Park

Parents at a Port Coquitlam park are keeping a closer eye on their kids after a coyote attacked a two-year-old Wednesday evening. Monika Gul speaks to some who say they’ve seen coyotes in the area.

By Monika Gul

Posted May 13, 2023 3:25 pm.

Last Updated May 13, 2023 3:26 pm.

Parents at a Port Coquitlam park are keeping a closer eye on their kids after a coyote attacked a two-year-old Wednesday evening.

The BC Conservation Officer Service says the child was bitten around 8 p.m. May 10 and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. While the coyote was later killed by RCMP officers, the incident had parents at the park on Friday keeping a closer eye on their kids.

Read more: Coyote in Port Coquitlam attacks 2-year-old

This comes after video footage showed the coyote running near the playground the day before the attack.

Alisha Bhimani is among the many people who saw it in the park earlier this week.

“It was definitely unsafe for the kids. So the kids were all [on] the side. But yeah, some of them were definitely a little bit frightened with that,” Bhimani said.

“It made me nervous because I have a little one. And plus, I’m expecting, so I do not know how fast [I can move].”

a woman sits on a bench in front of a port coquitlam park where a coyote was spotted.

Alisha Bhimani is among the many people who saw the coyote in the park earlier this week. (Monika Gul, CityNews Image)

Another parkgoer says they will be on the lookout for wildlife.

“I’m definitely on the lookout, and I was actually going to mention it as well to my friend, just because I thought it was a little bit alarming and scary definitely to bring our kids out here,” parkgoer Nadia said.

“A lot of wilderness around here,” parkgoer Katana added. “Keep your kids within arms reach.”

“People need to be aware of their surroundings and the creatures that also inhabit this area,” parkgoer Isaiah added.

a sign that reads coexisting with coyotoes . A child was attacked at a port coquitlam park on wednesday

A sign explaining what to do when you spot a coyote. (Monika Gul, CityNews Image)

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says an examination of the coyote showed it had been eating unnatural food sources.

“The Conservation Officer Service cannot stress the importance enough of not to feed dangerous wildlife, such as coyotes. We will take enforcement action where warranted,” Sgt. Todd Hunter said Thursday.

The service says it hasn’t seen any other coyotes in the area but it’s working with the city to put up more signage and increase patrols.

“There’s this trail here. So sometimes there are even bears walking right there. So, you always have to be safe and cautious,” Bhimani said.

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