Hunt Continues For Vicious Coyote

LAMORINDA, CA — A coyote that bit two people in separate incidents last week has not been captured.

"The Moraga Police Department continues to assist the Department of Fish and Wildlife with their daily operations to catch the offending animal from the series of biting incidents," Moraga police said in a statement on Monday. "Coyote sightings or encounters should be immediately reported to Moraga Police Dispatch at (925)284-5010."

The most recent attacks were last Friday when a man was bitten near the Kwik Stop convenience store on Golden Gate Way in Lafayette, and last Tuesday, when a 3-year-old girl had to be treated at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland for bites.

>>Coyote Bites Small Child In Moraga

The first attack was last July at Moraga Commons Park, followed by attacks in December at Campolindo High School, and in the parking lot of Diablo Foods.

The state offers these coyote safety tips:

• Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be deadly conflicts with pets or livestock, or serious injuries to small children
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house
• Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places
• Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal's direction
• If a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact the nearest Department of Fish and Wildlife or law enforcement office