Coyote that attacked toddler in Carson caught, euthanized

Officials catch coyote that attacked boy in Carson

DNA testing confirmed the animal is the same coyote involved in a previous attack that occurred in the area on February.

CARSON, Calif. - A dangerous coyote that attacked a young boy in a Carson residential neighborhood has been captured and euthanized, though wildlife officials are now investigating whether the animal was responsible for even more attacks than initially believed.

What we know:

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that the coyote responsible for the Tuesday morning attack on 4-year-old Solomon was located and "humanely euthanized" on Thursday.

The attack occurred just before 9 a.m. on Moorehaven Drive while the child’s mother was unloading groceries. 

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DNA testing had already linked this specific animal to a prior incident on February 11. 

Solomon’s grandfather reports the boy is in good spirits despite receiving seven puncture wounds and undergoing a series of rabies treatments.

What we don't know:

Two more individuals have recently come forward claiming they were attacked on March 26 and March 30.

It's unknown if the euthanized coyote was the sole perpetrator of these incidents. 

If DNA samples from these new victims do not match the captured animal, it would indicate that at least one other aggressive coyote is still roaming the neighborhood near Ambler Avenue Elementary School.

What they're saying:

Recalling the terrifying moment, Solomon said, "It bit me. It was trying to drag me." 

His mother added, "I was so scared because I know how bad it could have been. My initial response was just, I need to get him away." 

Regarding the animal's removal, state officials noted in an email that the coyote was "humanely euthanized" per standard protocol for animals that attack humans. 

Local residents remain on edge; one neighbor who runs a daycare nearby said she now carries an air horn and a golf club for protection when taking children to the park.

Timeline:

• February 11, 2026: The first confirmed coyote attack occurs in the Carson area.
• March 26 & 30, 2026: Two newly reported attacks occur (pending DNA confirmation).
• March 31, 2026: Four-year-old Solomon is attacked in front of his grandparents' home.
• April 2, 2026: Wildlife officials locate, capture, and euthanize the coyote.
• April 3, 2026: Officials begin DNA comparison for the late-March incidents to determine if the search must resume.

What you can do:

Residents are urged to remain vigilant as officials confirm whether other aggressive coyotes remain in the area:

• Supervise children: Do not leave small children unattended, even in front yards.
• Haze coyotes: Use air horns, loud noises, or motion-activated sprinklers to deter animals.
• Remove food sources: Secure trash bins and never leave pet food outside.
• Report incidents: Call the Carson Sheriff’s Station at 310-830-1123 for active attacks or California Fish & Wildlife at 858-467-4257 for sightings.