Possible Coyote Attack At Elyria School Playground

ELYRIA, OH — Officials are investigating a possible coyote attack that happened at an Elyria Schools playground after school hours.

The incident happened near the Oakwood Elementary playground, WEWS reported. The child is not a student at Elyria City Schools.

The guardian of the bitten child told school officials the attacking animal was a coyote, the Chronicle-Telegram reported. Officials have been unable to confirm that the animal was actually a coyote.

Parents are being asked to use extra caution in the area and to be extra vigilant in watching their children while at outdoor playgrounds.

Coyotes are versatile animals that can make their homes in rural or urban environments, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources said.

"Coyotes are curious, but generally fearful of humans. Clap your hands and shout to scare off coyotes that are investigating your yard," the ODNR said.

For more information on identifying and dealing with coyotes, click here.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

Photo from Shutterstock