Toddler Attacked By Coyote Near Pier In Huntington Beach

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — A toddler was hospitalized with serious but non life-threatening injuries when she was attacked by a coyote near Huntington Beach Pier Thursday night, authorities said.

Officers were called at 9:45 p.m. Thursday to the beach north of the pier after receiving reports of a coyote attack, Jennifer Carey, the Huntington Beach Police Department's public information officer, told City News Service.

Police declined to release details about the girl, but Fox11 reported she is believed to be 2 or 3 years old, and was with her mother and a sibling on the beach when the attack occurred.

The station also reported that the girl was bitten in the face.

The HBPD worked with the California Department of Fish and Game to track the coyote after the attack, according to a news release.

Police said two coyotes were spotted during the search, and officers shot at both of them. Video footage captured one of the animals running along the shoreline.

On Friday morning, a coyote was found dead on the beach, but there was still no sign of the second animal. The dead coyote was taken in for rabies testing, authorities told City News Service, but it was unclear if it was the animal that attacked the girl.

The Huntington Beach Police Department has been conducting increased trapping efforts throughout the city over the last several weeks, Carey said.

City News Service contributed to this report.