Coyote attacks 2-year-old girl in Fountain Valley Park – NBC Los Angeles

Authorities are looking for a coyote that attacked a 2-year-old girl earlier this week at an Orange County park.

The attack, which was not immediately reported, happened around 8:30 p.m. at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley.

Details of the girl’s injuries were not immediately available.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact 916-508-7095.

Fountain Valley is about six miles northeast of Huntington Beach, where several coyote sightings and a beach attack led to a series of community safety meetings. A young girl was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries when she was attacked by a coyote in April near Huntington Beach Pier.

This coyote’s DNA matched samples from one of two coyotes shot after the attack.

Earlier this month, a coyote was caught on a Huntington Beach home’s security camera when it attacked a family dog. The coyote jumped a 6ft wall, grabbed one of the dogs by the neck and dragged him into a yard.

The largest dog in the family, a Labrador retriever named Cody, then ran off to rescue the smaller dog and scare the coyote away.

Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that have learned to live comfortably in many environments, including around humans. Wildlife experts say we played a part in leaving food and trash behind for an appealing snack.

By nature, they are afraid of humans. They primarily hunt rodents and help keep that population under control, but won’t ignore an easy meal.

Here is the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s list of coyotes precautions.

• Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result can be deadly conflicts with pets or livestock, or serious injury to young children.
• Do not leave young children or pets outside unattended.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Cut shrubs at ground level to reduce hiding places.
• Be aware that coyotes are most active in the spring when feeding and protecting their young.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If that fails, throw rocks in the direction of the animal.
• If a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife or the nearest law enforcement office.
• Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot tip over.
• Remove water sources, especially in dry climates.
• Bring pets in at night and don’t leave pet food out.
• Avoid using bird feeders as they attract rodents and other coyote prey.
• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry and other livestock.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost heaps.
• Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.