Coyote bites 3-year-old girl by San Diego mall
As holiday shoppers flocked to stores, a coyote prowling near a San Diego shopping mall attacked a 3-year-old girl and another child Tuesday evening, sending both to the hospital, authorities reported.
The 3-year-old suffered bites to her arm and hip, while the other child was also injured around 9 PM near the Westfield UTC shopping mall in University City, according to law enforcement. The incident occurred at 4500 La Jolla Village Drive, just a short walk from the Westfield center, which features upscale retailers including Nordstrom, Tommy Bahama, J.Crew, and Madewell.
Emergency responders rushed the children to the hospital. Meanwhile, officers from the San Diego Humane Society and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife attempted to track the coyote but were unsuccessful, the San Diego Police Department said.
“Officers have collected DNA samples, which have been sent to the CDFW forensics lab for testing,” the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed.
The coyote remains at large, with CDFW officers coordinating with USDA Wildlife Services to locate and capture the animal.
Authorities advise anyone who encounters an aggressive coyote to “haze” it by standing tall, waving arms, and shouting, according to the San Diego Humane Society. Making loud noises with horns, bells, or whistles—or spraying the animal with water—can also drive it away.
“The coyote may run off but then stop and look back at you,” the Humane Society warns. “It is important to continue hazing the coyote until it completely leaves the area.”
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