Urgent coyote warning as rogue animal that mauled kids is killed

Wildlife officials have issued an urgent warning to Southern California residents after a string of coyote attacks, as the animal that mauled a four-year-old boy in a Los Angeles driveway is put down.

The terrifying attack unfolded Tuesday morning in Carson as the boy’s family unloaded their SUV, with the animal randomly lunging at the boy and began violently biting him.

Solomon suffered puncture wounds to his leg and torso and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, KTLA reported.

“It happened in a split second,” the boy’s grandmother Stephanie Fields told KTLA. “They only need a split second to attack, so please be aware.”

The Department of Fish and Wildlife said the coyote responsible for the attack was captured and humanely euthanized Thursday – but warned the danger is far from over.

They believe it may also be linked to at least two other recent attacks; one on a 31-year-old woman in Gardena on March 26, and another on a very young child at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on March 30.

“The department has collected DNA samples from the victims and sent those off for lab testing,” officials said in a statement.

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Investigators are continuing to examine whether the coyote is responsible for additional encounters, raising concerns about a broader pattern of aggressive behavior in the area.

Officials said the spike in incidents is linked to peak breeding season, with coyotes becoming more aggressive between January and March.

Authorities warned the animals are drawn into neighborhoods by food waste, unsecured trash cans and pet food left outside.

They also cautioned that coyotes are most active during dawn and dusk, and again later in the year during pup-dispersal season.

For residents, sightings are nothing new, as coyotes have long roamed streets near homes, schools and parks – but officials warn that familiarity can quickly turn dangerous.

They urged families to keep small children and pets within sight and to report any unusually bold or aggressive behavior immediately.