4-Year-Old Survives Coyote Attack in Southern California

Authorities capture and euthanize 'repeat offender' coyote that bit and tried to drag away young boy

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:21am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm, earthy tones, hinting at a child's toy or clothing item emerging from a blurred, atmospheric background.A coyote attack on a young child in a quiet suburban neighborhood underscores the need for heightened vigilance and safety measures in areas with wildlife populations.Carson Today

A 4-year-old boy in Southern California suffered multiple puncture wounds after a coyote attacked him in his grandparents' driveway, biting and attempting to drag him away. The 'repeat offender' coyote was later captured and euthanized by wildlife authorities, who believe the animal may have been responsible for several other recent attacks in the area.

Why it matters

Coyote attacks on humans, especially young children, are extremely rare but have been increasing in some parts of California. This incident highlights the need for heightened vigilance and safety precautions in neighborhoods where coyote sightings are common.

The details

Surveillance footage captured the coyote biting and trying to drag away 4-year-old Solomon as he stood in his grandparents' driveway. Solomon suffered seven puncture wounds on his legs and torso before his mother was able to intervene. Authorities believe this coyote may have been responsible for at least three other recent attacks in the area, including one on February 11 near an elementary school.

  • The attack occurred around 9 a.m. on April 3, 2026 as Solomon's mother was unloading groceries.
  • On March 26 and March 30, the same coyote is believed to have attacked other victims in the area.
  • On February 11, the coyote was linked to an attack on a child near an elementary school.

The players

Solomon

A 4-year-old boy who was attacked and bitten by a coyote in his grandparents' driveway.

Sarina Donohoo

Solomon's mother, who witnessed the attack and was able to intervene to save her son.

Stephanie Fields

Solomon's grandmother and the owner of the property where the attack occurred.

Stanley Fields

Solomon's grandfather, who shared that the young boy is now undergoing rabies treatment.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The agency that captured and euthanized the 'repeat offender' coyote believed to be responsible for multiple attacks.

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What they’re saying

“I just hear him screaming and I turn around and I scream as well because I see the coyote on top of him.”

— Sarina Donohoo, Solomon's mother

“He bit me. He tried to drag me.”

— Solomon

“For a wild animal to walk up into your yard and try to snatch your grandchild, it's like the most horrific thing in the world.”

— Stephanie Fields, Solomon's grandmother

“He got nipped three times, and now he's going through rabies protocol. He's four years old, and I just think it was a little much for a young child to experience.”

— Stanley Fields, Solomon's grandfather

What’s next

Authorities have urged residents in the neighborhood to remain vigilant as they confirm whether other aggressive coyotes remain in the area. Residents are also encouraged to supervise small children, use loud noises to deter wild animals, and secure any food waste and trash bins.

The takeaway

This attack serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased vigilance and safety precautions in areas with known coyote populations, especially when it comes to protecting young children. It also highlights the importance of wildlife authorities quickly identifying and removing 'repeat offender' coyotes that pose a threat to public safety.