A 16-month-old toddler was rushed to the hospital on Friday after a terrifying run-in with a coyote in Los Angeles’ Atwater Village. While details remain sparse, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the child was injured during an incident on the 3300 block of Glenhurst Avenue. Thankfully, the toddler was treated and later released.
The hunt for 'Wiley'
Following the attack, wildlife officials tracked down and euthanized a coyote in the area that same evening. They are currently running DNA tests on both the child and the animal to confirm if they caught the right one.
This incident has majorly reignited local fears. For months, residents have been dealing with an aggressive coyote they’ve nicknamed “Wiley.” Back in August, locals reported seeing the animal chasing kids, which is honestly so uncalled for. Some neighbors believe the coyote’s bold behavior is linked to people illegally feeding it, which is highkey dangerous and explicitly prohibited by state law.
Why it matters
Local reactions have been split, with some folks upset about the animal being put down, while parents remain on edge. Wildlife experts are stressing that feeding wildlife is not just illegal, but it wrecks their natural instincts. If you’re ever walking in an area with coyotes, keep your pets close and your kids closer. If one approaches, make yourself look big, get loud, and back away slowly. If things go south and there's physical contact, real talk: fight back and call 911 immediately.
