A young child sustained severe injuries following an assault by a coyote at a playground in Whitby, Ont., as reported by Durham police. The incident occurred at Vanier Park on Sunday evening, where the two-year-old boy was attacked by the coyote, causing facial bites before being scared off by the child’s guardian and onlookers. The child was subsequently hospitalized with serious yet non-life-threatening injuries.

Shortly after, another coyote sighting was reported near Harriet and Annes streets, where police responded and safely removed the distressed animal without any reported injuries. Durham police, in collaboration with the Town of Whitby, local animal services, and the Durham Region Health Department, are actively investigating the incidents, monitoring coyote activity, and taking preventive measures to minimize the risk of future encounters.

Following recent incidents, including a previous coyote bite involving a child in Whitby, police have issued warnings about multiple reported coyote incidents in the Durham Region. Residents are advised to exercise caution, especially in public spaces like parks, playgrounds, and trails, particularly during peak coyote activity hours in the early morning and evening.

Notably, Whitby has recorded 96 coyote sightings in the past 30 days, as indicated on the town’s online dashboard. Similar concerns have been raised in neighboring Toronto communities, with recent reports of coyote attacks on children prompting public safety alerts. To enhance safety, police recommend maintaining a safe distance from coyotes, supervising children outdoors, and promptly reporting any coyote sightings to animal services.