Los Angeles Neighbor Investigated After Coyote Attack on Toddler

California wildlife officials are investigating a Los Angeles resident accused of feeding a coyote that attacked and injured a 16-month-old child in the Atwater Village neighborhood on October 16.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) confirmed that their officers responded to reports of individuals illegally feeding coyotes in the area. "CDFW wildlife officers investigated reports of Atwater Village residents feeding coyotes," spokesperson Cort Klopping told The Post. "Wildlife officers made contact with an individual that lives in the area and will be filing a case with the city’s attorney’s office for the illegal feeding of wildlife."

The illegal feeding of wildlife is a misdemeanor offense in Los Angeles. The CDFW stated that no further details could be released as the investigation is ongoing.

Following the attack, CDFW officials located a coyote in the vicinity and euthanized it. DNA samples collected from the toddler and the coyote were analyzed and confirmed that the euthanized animal was responsible for the attack. The child was taken to a local hospital for treatment and has since been released.

This incident has heightened concerns among residents about coyotes in the neighborhood. Some residents have reported previous troubling encounters with a coyote previously described as “Wiley,” which was seen in August allegedly chasing children. These prior sightings had already raised fears about the animal’s behavior and led some residents to suspect that someone was feeding it.

"We’ve run into the coyote maybe a few times a week. Every time we go walking," Libby Stankaitis, a local resident, told CBS Los Angeles.

The CDFW advises residents to maintain a safe distance from coyotes, back away slowly if encountered, and keep children and pets close. Officials also recommend making loud noises and appearing larger to deter a coyote if it approaches. In the event of a physical attack, residents are advised to fight back and contact animal control or emergency services.

It is unclear whether the euthanized coyote was the same animal, "Wiley," that had previously caused concern among residents.