Boy, 4, injured after coyote bite in Markham, police say
Posted May 24, 2026 11:51 pm.
Last Updated May 25, 2026 12:32 pm.
A four-year-old boy was taken to the hospital Sunday evening after being bitten by a coyote in a large interconnected green space near Bruce Boyd Parkette in Markham, York Regional Police say.
In a late Sunday night social media post, police said the encounter occurred in a green space near McCowan Road and 16th Avenue, including the area of Bruce Boyd Parkette, where the alleged incident occurred.
York Region paramedics were called to the area at around 7:30 p.m. after reports that a child was attacked by a coyote in the greenspace that runs behind the parkette and connects to several trails and wooded corridors.
“One patient was assessed and transported to a trauma centre,” York Region Paramedic Services confirmed with CityNews, adding that they are not able to comment on the status or condition of the patient for confidentiality reasons.
Police told 680 NewsRadio that the child, a four-year-old boy, is expected to be OK. Officers searched the surrounding greenbelt for the animal but were unable to locate it.
“Residents, pedestrians, and pet owners are asked to exercise caution. If you are in the area, remain alert, keep a safe distance from any wildlife, and do not approach or attempt to feed a coyote,” police said in the alert.
“Anyone who sees a coyote behaving aggressively, lingering near people, or appearing sick or injured is asked to call police immediately.”
The alert comes four days after police were called to the Mingay Avenue and Bur Oak Avenue area near Markham Road after a 16-year-old girl was bitten by a coyote. Paramedics said the teen suffered minor injuries.
It’s uncertain whether the animal was acting aggressively before the bite or if the teen girl had any interaction with it beforehand, which prompted a similar warning from police.
Markham Animal Services says it is “taking a cautious and measured approach. If the coyote is located and assessed to pose an ongoing risk to public safety, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with established protocols.
“Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, supervise children and pets at all times especially during early morning and evening hours, and avoid feeding wildlife. Be aware of posted signage and follow all guidance in affected areas. Residents are reminded to not walk in locations where coyotes may be present, and to avoid isolated or woody areas, where visibility may be limited.”
