Child bitten by coyote in west end park

Toronto police are cautioning residents of a west end neighbourhood to be vigilant after a child was bitten by a coyote at a park Saturday afternoon.

Police say the incident occurred just before 4:30 p.m. at Westlake Park near Weston Road and Black Creek Drive.

The child’s injuries do not appear to be serious.

Police say the coyote is still in the area and are urging people using the park to be cautious.

Coyote sightings and interactions have become an increasing concern for west end residents.

Last November, Toronto police shot and killed a coyote in a North York schoolyard, a kilometre away from where two people were bitten.

At the same time, residents in the Jane and Dundas neighbourhood reported the animals were becoming a major problem, which was being exacerbated by someone leaving food out.

Toronto Animal Services says most coyotes don’t interact with the public, but are more likely to if they are being fed.

Officials say if you encountering a coyote, the the best things to do are make yourself look bigger to scare them off, don’t run, but walk away from them, and if you have small pets, keep them on a leash.