A 13-Year-Old Bitten by a Coyote in Watertown
A 13-year-old child is recovering after being bitten by a coyote in Watertown, according to local officials. The incident occurred on July 7 when the teen and their father were reportedly bitten by a coyote while in the front yard of their home on the 200 block of Cherry Avenue.
The injuries were not considered severe, and the family sought medical treatment for the child, as reported by a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), James Fowler. “The coyote ran off after the bite and was gone upon the arrival of officers,” Fowler said. “At this time, we have no additional details to share, and the case has been closed.”
Coyotes are common throughout Connecticut and are well-adapted to living near people, but they can pose risks to pets, livestock, and occasionally humans. Like black bears, coyotes can become habituated and lose their natural fear of people through intentional or unintentional feeding. They may also feel threatened near their dens during pup-rearing season.
Eastern coyotes were first documented in Connecticut in the 1950s and have since expanded their range across the state, appearing in both rural and urban areas. These animals are highly adaptable and have learned to live successfully among humans in populated areas, according to DEEP’s coyote fact sheet.
Public concerns about coyotes attacking people, especially children, have increased as the animals have become more common and occasionally prey on or attack pets. While some coyotes may exhibit bold behavior near people, the risk of a coyote attacking a person remains low, according to DEEP officials.
Despite this, attacks on pets and humans have been documented within the past year. In September, a woman was bitten by a coyote while hiking on a trail in Southington. In January, a coyote that bit a man in Wallingford tested positive for rabies.
The risk of an attack can increase if coyotes are intentionally fed and then associate people with food, or if a person is walking with a dog—especially one that is not leashed—near a coyote den or territory during the denning and pup-rearing seasons.
Small pets under 25 pounds are more at risk of being attacked, DEEP said. In January, a West Hartford couple shared that their beloved dog, Piper, was recovering after being attacked by a pack of coyotes on Christmas Eve. Bruce and Maggie Bourgoin said their 4-year-old cairn terrier was let out on Dec. 24 when a pack of coyotes suddenly began attacking her without warning.
In Westport, police are warning residents after a person went outside with their dog back in May and a coyote was standing near the wood line. The coyote approached and then lunged at the dog, but the person was able to run back inside with the dog before the coyote attacked the pet.
Tips for Staying Safe from Coyotes
To keep you and your pets safe this summer, DEEP officials have offered the following tips:
- Keep pets secure: Do not allow pets to run free. Keep cats indoors, particularly at night, and dogs on a leash or under close supervision at all times. Installing a kennel or coyote-proof fencing is a long-term solution for protecting pets.
- Do not feed coyotes: Never place food out for any mammals. Clean up bird seed below feeders, pet foods, and fallen fruit. Secure garbage and compost in animal-proof containers.
- Walk dogs on a leash: If approached by a coyote while walking your dog, keep the dog under control and calmly leave the area. Do not run or turn your back.
- Frighten away coyotes: Make loud noises (e.g., shouting, air horn) and act aggressively (e.g., waving your arms, throwing sticks, spraying with a hose).
- Report unusual behavior: Be aware of any coyote behaving abnormally or exhibiting unusually bold behavior and report these incidents to authorities immediately.
- Watch for signs of rabies: Be aware of and report any coyotes exhibiting behavior indicative of rabies, such as staggering, seizures, and extreme lethargy. Daytime activity is not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate rabies.
- Teach children: Teach children to recognize coyotes and to go inside the house (do not run) or climb up on a swing or deck and yell if they are approached.
- Educate neighbors: Ask them to follow these same steps.
By taking these precautions, residents can help reduce the risk of encounters with coyotes and ensure the safety of themselves and their pets.
