TORONTO — Police north of Toronto are urging caution after a coyote bit a child in the community of Nobleton, where recent coyote sightings have been reported.
York Regional Police said officers were called to the area of Highway 27 and King Road just after noon on Sunday for an animal complaint.
Police said a 12-year-old boy was bitten by a coyote and he was taken to hospital with minor leg injuries.
Police said there have been frequent sightings of coyotes in the area and people should use caution. They said Toronto Wildlife and Vaughan Animal Services have been notified.
The Township of King, which includes Nobleton, said last week that it was aware of coyote activity in the community, including encounters with both residents and pets.
"To support our response, Vaughan Animal Services has been engaged and is currently gathering information to help inform a safe and effective controlled response plan," the township said.
"We understand these encounters can be unsettling, and we want to assure residents that community safety is our top priority."
The township said residents should never approach or feed a coyote or other wild animals. In case of a coyote encounter, people should shout or wave their arms while backing away from the animal slowly, it said.
"Never run or turn your back on a coyote," the township said.
Coyote sightings and attacks have been a problem in Toronto as well.
In May, the city said it had euthanized a pair coyotes after multiple reported incidents in two communities.
The Coyote Safety Coalition – a group representing residents in the Liberty Village and Fort York areas – had urged the city to take action after the group claimed six coyote attacks occurred in a single night, including at least two that required pets to get emergency treatment.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2025.
Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press
