Search on for Stanley Park coyote that attacked child as animals appear ‘less afraid of people’

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Conservation officers are patrolling Stanley Park Wednesday in search of a coyote that attacked a two-year-old girl Monday night.

The child was with a group of adults and kids near the aquarium when she was pounced upon and bitten. She was taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries, but it’s not clear how seriously she was hurt.

This is just the latest encounter between coyotes and people in the popular Vancouver park. Rachel, who works at the aquarium, says she sees the animals all the time.

“We see them in our parking lot quite often and they definitely, over the course of the last couple of months, have become a lot less afraid of people. So yeah, it’s definitely something kind of in the back of your mind, especially in the evening time, it’s something you definitely need to watch out for,” she said.

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• ‘Do not run’: Wildlife expert’s advice after coyote attack at Stanley Park

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“In the parking lot, they do get quite close. Luckily, you can park quite close to the main building and you can just kind of go in and out. But when you see how big they are, and they really aren’t afraid of people anymore, it definitely is a little worrisome.”

Others say they know the areas to avoid in the park, as coyote sightings have increased.

“I think if you don’t stay in that particular area that’s on the way up to Prospect Park, that should be okay,” said Tony, who cycles through the park frequently.

The #BCCOS is investigating after a girl, 2, was attacked by a coyote in #StanleyPark last night.
COs will be patrolling the park and will continue to have a presence over the next several days to help ensure public safety: https://t.co/IaRAH6x0sC@ParkBoard @StanleyParkEco

— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) July 14, 2021

The coyote will likely be euthanized, as were two others recently. There have been more than 20 coyote attacks or encounters in Stanley Park over the past several months.

Just last week, three people were taken to the hospital after they were bitten.

The incidents shut down some trails and areas of the park.

Tips on how to handle a coyote encounter include shouting, waving one’s arms, and throwing things at the animal. Running, or turning one’s back on a coyote is never a good idea.

-With files from Lisa Steacy