Durham Regional Police report that a coyote attacked a two-year-old boy, biting him in the face during an unprovoked incident at a playground in Whitby, Ontario, on Sunday evening. This marks another case in a series of aggressive coyote encounters in the area this year.
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What happened at Vanier Park
Police stated that officers were called to assist paramedics at Vanier Park around 8:30 p. m. on Sunday after a coyote entered the playground and bit the child.
The boy’s guardian and nearby witnesses were able to scare off the animal before police arrived.
Less than an hour later, another coyote was discovered distressed in the same vicinity. Police took care of that animal, and there were no reported injuries related to that event.
Part of a wider pattern this year
The attack on Sunday isn’t an isolated incident. Three other children were injured in separate coyote attacks across Whitby and Markham during May and June.
Officials say aggressive behavior from coyotes is uncommon but emphasize they are taking these recent events seriously.
What residents are being told to do
Authorities are advising people to remain vigilant near parks and trails, especially around dawn and dusk when coyotes tend to be more active.
Residents should:
Keep pets leashed Supervise children closely in parks and green spaces Remove food attractants from yards and public areas Report sightings through Whitby’s online coyote tracking tool Call 911 immediately if a coyote poses a direct threat
This report by The Canadian Press was first July 7, 2026.
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