Coyote Attacks 4-Year-Old in Los Angeles Suburb

Wildlife officials capture and euthanize the animal after multiple incidents in Carson, California

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a coyote's paw print in the dirt, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the sudden and dangerous nature of the animal attacks.A recent spate of coyote attacks on young children in a Los Angeles suburb has prompted urgent calls for better urban wildlife management.Carson Today

A 4-year-old child was bitten twice by a coyote in a residential area of Carson, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. The attack was caught on a home security camera, and the same coyote was linked to another previous attack on a young child in the area through DNA evidence. Wildlife officials responded, captured the coyote, and euthanized it after the incident.

Why it matters

Coyote attacks on humans, especially young children, are rare but concerning incidents that highlight the need for better urban wildlife management and community education. This case raises awareness about coyote behavior and the steps residents can take to avoid conflicts with these animals as they increasingly encroach on suburban neighborhoods.

The details

According to the Carson Sheriff's Station, the 4-year-old child was attacked while their family was unloading their vehicle on Moorehaven Drive. The coyote bit the child twice, causing minor injuries. The same coyote was previously linked to another attack on a young child in Carson through DNA evidence. Wildlife officials confirmed they had captured and euthanized the coyote responsible for the attacks.

  • The initial attack occurred on Tuesday, April 3, 2026 at 8:50 a.m.
  • A previous attack linked to the same coyote happened on February 11, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The players

Carson Sheriff's Station

The local law enforcement agency that posted a safety notice about the coyote attack on their Instagram profile.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state wildlife agency that responded to the attacks, captured the coyote, and confirmed it was responsible for multiple incidents through DNA testing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'The child sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.'”

— Carson Sheriff's Station

“'Wildlife officials said they believe the coyote responsible for the attacks on Tuesday and Feb. 11 could be responsible for at least one of the additional reported attacks. They've collected samples from the victims and sent them to the lab for testing.'”

— KTLA

What’s next

Wildlife officials will continue to monitor the area for any additional coyote activity and educate the community on ways to prevent future conflicts.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better urban wildlife management and community education around coexisting safely with coyotes, which are becoming more common in suburban neighborhoods across California. Residents should take precautions like supervising children, securing trash, and reporting aggressive wildlife to authorities.