Public safety warning issued after coyote bites child at Markham park

Police say a coyote bit a child at Bruce Boyd Parkette in Markham on Sunday night. (Courtney Heels/ CP24)

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.