Los Angeles – State wildlife officers confirmed that the coyote responsible for biting a 16‑month‑old child in Atwater Village survived an initial attempt to euthanize it on Oct. 16, 2026. The animal, later identified by neighbors as “Wiley,” was seen walking with a limp in the community northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Initial response and mistaken death report
After the bite, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officers shot the coyote, believing the injuries and blood loss would be fatal. A K‑9 unit was deployed to locate the animal for rabies testing, but the scent was lost and officials concluded the animal had succumbed to its wounds.
Animal reappears, prompting renewed search
Neighbors reported seeing a limping coyote that resembled the one they had observed many times before the incident. Wildlife specialist Rebecca Dmytryk spent a week tracking the animal and also suspected it was the same coyote that bit the toddler.
Residents said concerns about the coyote pre‑dated the bite, noting its frequent presence near a local homeless encampment. Dmytryk suggested the animal may have become imprinted on humans during an early developmental stage, affecting its behavior.
Final euthanasia
On the morning of Nov. 10, 2026, CDFW law enforcement, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, located the coyote and humanely euthanized it due to the ongoing public‑safety threat. The agency did not immediately disclose the method of euthanasia or whether the remains were recovered.
Calls for alternative response
Dmytryk expressed frustration that the animal was killed rather than captured alive for relocation. She advocates for a progressive coyote‑response program that would investigate an animal’s history before resorting to euthanasia, emphasizing that non‑lethal options such as trapping and feeding could be effective.
While the coyote’s removal addresses immediate safety concerns, the incident highlights the need for thoughtful wildlife management strategies that balance public protection with humane treatment of urban wildlife.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
