A four-year-old girl in Bellevue, Washington, was bitten and dragged by a coyote just outside her front door last week. The girl's father, Chang Tong, reported that his daughter, Lena, mistook the coyote for a dog and attempted to pet it. The coyote bit her hand and attempted to drag her before Tong scared it away. Lena was treated for minor injuries and received a rabies shot at a local hospital.
This incident is part of a series of alarming coyote encounters in the Bellevue area. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, there have been five reported coyote incidents in the region since March 7. These include a coyote approaching children at a bus stop and biting two adults in separate incidents.
Wildlife officials have increased patrols in the area and have lethally removed one coyote believed to be involved in these encounters. They continue to search for another coyote. Authorities advise residents to keep pets leashed, avoid leaving small children unattended, and be cautious in areas where coyotes are frequently seen.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife emphasizes prevention as the best tool for minimizing conflicts with coyotes. Residents are encouraged to secure their homes and educate their children about wildlife safety.