Dangerous Coyote That Bit 5 People, Including 2 Kids, Caught

LAMORINDA, CA — A coyote that bit five people in Moraga and Lafayette over the past nine months has been captured and euthanized, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said on Friday.

The animal was caught on Thursday.

"DNA testing was conducted which matched the DNA recovered from the bite victims," the Moraga Police Department said in a printed release. "U.C. Davis veterinary staff will be conducting a rabies test on the coyote. There is no current evidence to suggest the coyote is rabid, but because of the severity of the disease, it is standard operating procedure in an animal attack investigation such as this one. Rabies tests can only be done post-mortem."

Residents of both Moraga and Lafayette were praised for reporting sightings of the coyote in neighborhoods, as trackers worked to capture the elusive animal.

The most recent attacks were in mid-February when the wolf bit two people in one week.

The first that week was a 3-year-old child walking with her mother, who was pushing a stroller. The attack happened at around 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of Campolindo Drive and Calle la Montana in Moraga.

The second was a man who was bitten across from the Kwik Stop convenience store on Golden Gate Way in Lafayette.

The first attack was last July, a 2-year-old boy at Moraga Commons Park, followed by attacks in December at Campolindo High School, and in the parking lot of Diablo Foods.

"There has been a constant effort by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Department of Agriculture — Wildlife Services, the Moraga and Lafayette Police Departments and Contra Costa County Animal Services to locate and catch the offending coyote," said the Moraga statement. "The Town of Moraga is grateful for their hard work on behalf of our Town and the safety of our residents and visitors. The Town is also appreciative of the work of our residents to report coyotes in our neighborhoods. This information was critical in our success."

The offending coyote has been killed, but residents are reminded that wildlife is all around and no one should not let down their guards.

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

You may reach the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 916-508-7095.