May 27, 6 p.m. Article was updated with new information.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department and Scottsdale Police Department are urging residents to be on the look out for coyotes after two toddlers were attacked in two different incidents. The first attack came on Saturday March 18th, while the toddler was on a playground. The next day, a 21-month-old boy was attacked on his home's driveway only half a mile away from the first attack. The coyote attack from Sunday was caught on camera, showing the animal lunge at the young child.
Both children were taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Officials believe the same coyote was responsible for the attacks. Arizona Game and Fish public information officer Mark Hart said there is some evidence that coyote managed to get some pet food. He says that may be why it no longer fears people.
Hart also said he does not believe the coyote is rabid.
Police and wildlife officials are still looking for the coyote, but say finding it is difficult because of the desert washes and plants. Game and Fish said coyotes are also intelligent, making them difficult to trap.
The Game and Fish Department is focusing its search for the animal in the area of 94th Street and Thompson Peak Parkway in Scottsdale. Anyone with information is advised to call 623-236-7201.
"The coyote shows little fear of people and may have been illegally fed in the past. Parents of toddlers in the area should keep their children close when outdoors and be vigilant," the Game and Fish Department said in a statement.
RELATED: Tips for deterring coyote attacks
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Austin "AJ" Janos is a producer for KGUN 9. He graduated in 2022 from the University of Arizona where he worked at UATV3 while attending college. Share your story ideas and important issues with AJ by emailing aj.janos@kgun9.com.
