State kills coyote after attacks on 2 children in Los Angeles area

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife captured and euthanized the animal after DNA testing linked it to multiple incidents.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:25pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a coyote's sharp teeth and jaws, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the danger posed by the animal's attacks.A recent wave of coyote attacks on children in the Los Angeles area has prompted state wildlife officials to take drastic action, capturing and euthanizing the aggressive animal.Los Angeles Today

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has captured and killed a coyote responsible for two separate attacks on young children in Los Angeles County. The agency confirmed the coyote was behind attacks on a 4-year-old child in Carson on March 31 and another young child on February 11. They are also investigating whether the same coyote was involved in two additional attacks in the region.

Why it matters

Conflicts between coyotes and humans tend to increase during pupping season, which runs from spring to fall. This is not the first time the state agency has had to shoot and kill coyotes after they attacked children in California, raising concerns about public safety and wildlife management.

The details

On March 31, the state wildlife agency responded to a report in Carson, where a coyote bit a 4-year-old child in front of his home. DNA testing linked this attack to another incident on February 11 where a young child was also attacked by a coyote in the city. The agency is also investigating whether the same coyote was responsible for two additional attacks - one on a 31-year-old woman on March 26 in Gardena, and another on a very young child on March 30 in Carson.

  • On February 11, a young child was attacked by a coyote in Carson.
  • On March 26, a 31-year-old woman was bitten by a coyote in Gardena.
  • On March 30, a very young child was attacked by a coyote in Carson.
  • On March 31, a 4-year-old child was bitten by a coyote in front of his home in Carson.

The players

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state wildlife agency responsible for responding to reports of coyote attacks and capturing the animal responsible for the incidents in Los Angeles County.

Cort Klopping

A spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife who confirmed the agency captured and euthanized the coyote linked to the attacks through DNA testing.

Carson Sheriff's Station

The local law enforcement agency that advised residents to supervise children outdoors, keep pets on leashes, secure yards, clean up trash, and report any aggressive wildlife immediately.

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What they’re saying

“We have now confirmed that we did capture and then humanely euthanize, following DNA testing, the coyote responsible for both of those attacks.”

— Cort Klopping, Spokesperson, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

“We're trying to put out a friendly reminder to the community that removing attractants can really help to keep these animals at bay.”

— Cort Klopping, Spokesperson, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

What’s next

The Carson Sheriff's Station advised residents to immediately report any aggressive wildlife to 310-830-1123. For non-emergency coyote encounters, residents should contact California Fish and Wildlife at 858-467-4257.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of managing coyote populations in urban and suburban areas, and the need for communities to be proactive in removing potential food sources and securing their yards to deter coyotes from entering populated areas, especially during pupping season when conflicts tend to increase.