The attack occurred around 6:15 pm on Thursday in the Alameda neighborhood of Portland, where two children were playing outside. A coyote approached the older child, grabbed their foot, and began a chase. The child, who had been wearing socks but not shoes, managed to free themselves and sprint to safety after their father shouted from the porch, scaring off the animal. The 9-year-old was taken to the hospital for treatment and was reported to have sustained minor injuries.
Following the incident, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) swiftly initiated an investigation, canvassing the neighborhood and distributing flyers to warn residents. The agency has been continuously monitoring the area in conjunction with city, state, and federal partners to determine the appropriate next steps. In the wake of the attack, ODFW has issued comprehensive guidelines to residents, urging them to supervise children and pets closely, eliminate food attractants like garbage and pet food, and use loud noises or thrown objects to deter coyotes from approaching residential areas.
Wildlife officials have emphasized the dangers of feeding coyotes, stating that such actions can lead to increased boldness and aggression towards humans and pets. ‘Feeding by humans is frequently associated with attacks and aggressive behavior,’ ODFW reiterated in their advisories. They urged residents to report any instances of aggressive behavior to the ODFW office at 971-673-6000, with emergency calls directed to 911 if necessary.
The incident has also been met with broader safety alerts from the ODFW, warning local residents to remain vigilant. The agency is urging parents to ensure children are supervised while outdoors and to take necessary precautions to avoid encounters with coyotes. Additionally, they have recommended that dogs should be kept leashed or indoors to help protect both children and pets from potential predator encounters.
While coyotes are commonly found in Oregon, including in urban areas like Portland, they generally subsist on a diet of rodents, fruits, and nuts. However, the presence of food sources in residential areas can lead to conflicts with humans. As a result, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe environment for both people and wildlife in urban settings.