Coyote bites child in Markham, police issue public safety alert

Mike Walker speaks with community members who are concerned over aggressive coyotes after another child was bit and hospitalized.

York Regional Police have issued a public safety alert after they say a coyote bit a child in Markham on Sunday night.

According to police, it happened at Bruce Boyd Parkette at around 7:30 p.m.

Police said a child, who is believed to be four or five years old, was not seriously injured but was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers tracked the animal but were unable to locate it.

In a social media post, the police service said that there have been multiple coyote encounters in green spaces near McCowan Road and 16th Avenue in Markham in recent days.

The other areas include Russell Carter Tefft Park, Laurie Park, Jeffreys Pond, Ross Brown Park, Nordlingen Park, Berczy Park, and Helsey Trail.

“Residents, pedestrians, and pet owners are asked to exercise caution,” the public safety notice read.

“If you are in the area, remain alert, keep a safe distance from any wildlife, and do not approach or attempt to feed a coyote.”

Anyone who spots a coyote “behaving aggressively, lingering near people, or appearing to be sick or injured,” should contact police immediately, the advisory noted.

The City of Markham said it is “actively investigating” the incident on Sunday night.

“The safety of the community remains the City’s top priority. Markham continues to follow our Coyote Response and Coexistence Strategy, which focuses on public education, prevention and the use of non-lethal measures wherever possible," the city said in a statement realeased Monday.

“As this is the second recent incident reported in the area, the City is taking a cautious and measured approach. If the coyote is located and assessed to pose an ongoing risk to public safety, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with established protocols.”

They advised people to supervise children and pets “at all times,” particularly during early morning and evening hours.

“The City’s Animal Services team will continue patrolling and monitoring the area over the next few days to help support community safety,” the statement concluded.