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3-year-old bitten twice by 'repeat offender' coyote in Carson attack

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Published  April 2, 2026 12:37pm PDT
Carson
FOX 11
SUGGESTED VIDEO: Coyote chasing kid in Pasadena

SUGGESTED VIDEO: Coyote chasing kid in Pasadena

Terrifying footage showed a coyote chasing a toddler outside the family's home in Pasadena.

The Brief

    • A 3-year-old child was bitten twice by a coyote in Carson on Tuesday morning while family members were unloading a vehicle.
    • DNA testing confirmed the animal is the same coyote involved in a previous attack that occurred in the area last year.
    • State wildlife officials have launched a joint tactical operation to locate and remove the animal through at least April 6.

CARSON, Calif. - California wildlife officials have launched an active search for a "repeat offender" coyote after a toddler was attacked in a residential Carson neighborhood Tuesday morning.

What we know:

The incident happened just before 9 a.m. on Tuesday in the 400 block of Moorehaven Drive, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

While a family was unloading their vehicle, a coyote approached and bit a 3-year-old child twice. 

The child sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

SUGGESTED: VIDEO: Coyote chases toddler in Southern California neighborhood

Investigators analyzed residential camera footage to review the attack and used DNA testing to confirm that this specific coyote was responsible for another incident in the same region last year.

What we don't know:

It is currently unclear where the coyote is denning or if it has become habituated to humans through intentional or accidental feeding in the neighborhood. 

While the search is scheduled through Monday, officials have not confirmed what specific measures will be taken if the animal is not located within the initial five-day window.

SUGGESTED: Coyote alert: Here's why sightings are increasing across Southern California

What's next:

California Fish and Wildlife personnel will continue nighttime operations through Monday, April 6.

These operations may be extended if the coyote is not successfully located.

 Residents should expect a heightened presence of wildlife officials during the 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. window.

What you can do:

Residents in the Carson area are advised to follow strict safety protocols to prevent further encounters:

  • Supervise children: Never leave small children unattended outdoors.
  • Leash pets: Keep all pets on a short leash and close to your person.
  • Remove attractants: Secure all trash bins and avoid leaving pet food outside.
  • Report sightings: * Active attacks: Call Carson Sheriff’s Station immediately at 310-830-1123.
  • Non-emergency sightings: Contact California Fish & Wildlife at 858-467-4257.

The Source: This report is based on official incident notifications and safety alerts issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Carson Station).

CarsonWild Nature