DNA tests connect coyote to 2 attacks in Carson

DNA tests confirmed that a coyote who bit a 3-year-old child Tuesday in Carson is the same coyote who attacked a child at a park last year in the southern Los Angeles County community, according to the sheriff’s department.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife notified the sheriff’s department about the most recent encounter. The child suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital.

The bite was recorded on a home security camera system, authorities said.

DNA indicated the coyote is the same coyote who bit a 6-year-old boy multiple times in August at Del Amo Park. The boy received 20 stitches to the back of his head, back and legs

Wildlife officials at the time said they were planning to process the boy’s clothes for DNA testing in an effort to locate the coyote.

A brave boy received 20 stitches and is recovering after his mother rescued him from a coyote. Hetty Chang reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.

The most recent attack was reported at about 9 a.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of Moorehaven Drive as the child’s family unloaded their vehicle. Fish and Wildlife Department personnel plan to search for the coyote for the next few days.

The sheriff’s department offered the following coyote safety reminders:

• Always supervise children outdoors
• Keep pets on a leash and close to you
• Avoid leaving food or trash accessible
• Secure yards and remove attractants
• Report aggressive wildlife immediately

The agency advised resident to call the Carson Sheriff’s Station at 310-830-1123 if they witness or are involved in an attack. For non-emergencies, such as coyote sightings, the agency advised people to call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 858-467-4257.

More coyote safety tips

• Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be deadly conflicts with pets or livestock, or serious injuries to small children.
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
• Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
• If a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact the nearest Department of Fish and Wildlife or law enforcement office.
• Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
• Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
• Bring pets in at night, and do not leave pet food outside.
• Avoid using bird feeders as they attract rodents and other coyote prey.
• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry and other livestock.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
• Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.