Coyote behind string of unprovoked attacks ‘eliminated’ in Burlington

A coyote supposedly responsible for attacking Burlington residents, including a toddler, has been killed.

With what the city called “the expertise of a Certified Wildlife Control Professional,” officials noted that the animal was “eliminated” following a string of unprovoked attacks in the region.

The decision to kill the animal was made after the third attack on a human was reported.

A spokesperson with the city said an 18-year-old girl was lying down in a grassy area near Market Street “when she felt a tug on her hair.”

“She turned to see a coyote which then bit and scratched her leg as she stood up,” a spokesperson said in a news release. “The girl was taken for medical attention and was released.”

The two other attacks occurred during the day, the first incident involving a woman who claims she was bitten on her leg from behind while walking on a local trail.

The second incident saw a two-year-old toddler get attacked when the young boy was seated on a deck in a fenced backyard less than two kilometres east of the first attack.

Officials said there was no food in the area at the time of the incidents, noting that the toddler was bitten near the back of his neck. Both individuals were treated at a hospital and were released.

“The attacks are uncharacteristic of coyotes and are the first reported attacks on humans in Burlington,” a spokesperson said.

Wildlife officials constantly remind residents not to feed coyotes as they will often rely on humans and keep coming back.