WHITBY, Ont. — A young male toddler has been hospitalized after being bitten by a coyote in Whitby on Monday, prompting local authorities to issue an urgent public safety warning. According to Durham Regional Police spokesperson Constable Nick Gluckstein, the young boy is currently in stable condition as he recovers from injuries sustained during the unexpected wildlife encounter.
The attack occurred in a public field situated near a wooded treeline in the vicinity of Coronation Road and Rossland Road. Following the incident, the young victim was initially rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment but was later transferred to a specialized hospital in the Toronto area for further care.
In response to the attack and a surge in reported coyote sightings in the area, Durham Regional Police issued a public advisory on social media platform X, urging residents to remain “vigilant and proactive.” Authorities are advising community members, especially pedestrians, parents with small children, and pet owners, to exercise extreme caution when navigating public green spaces and trails near forested lines.
Police emphasized that coyotes are traditionally most active during the early morning and evening hours and can become unpredictable or aggressive if they feel cornered or threatened. The public is being urged to immediately report any unusual or predatory wildlife behavior to municipal authorities, and to call 911 if they face an immediate threat to public safety.
