Three coyotes attack 14-year-old boy on his bicycle in Ottawa park

Authorities are investigating after a 14-year-old boy was set upon by three coyotes whilst cycling through a park in Orléans, a suburb of Ottawa, in an unprovoked attack that left him with injuries to his leg and in shock.

The attack

The boy's mother — who has not been publicly named — told CTV News Ottawa that her son was cycling through Lalande Conservation Park at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, when a single coyote charged at him without warning. Two further animals subsequently joined the assault.

"One of them was clamped to his shoe, and then the other one got to his leg. There were three of them, one was pretty big. He said it was pretty much at his waist, and the other one a little bit smaller, and the other one a little bit smaller than that."

The teenager attempted to fend off the animals by hurling his bicycle and helmet at them, but the coyotes persisted. He eventually fled on foot and clambered on top of a rock, where he sheltered for several minutes as the animals continued to growl and lunge at him. He then ran to a nearby school and vaulted the fence to escape.

Treatment and recovery

The boy was taken to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, where he received treatment as a precautionary measure against rabies. He sustained scrapes along his left leg from behind the knee down to the ankle.

His mother reflected on the ordeal and its impact on her son.

"He was in shock that day, he couldn't believe that happened. I think he'll be fine. I think he's got a lot of support around him, but I hope it doesn't happen elsewhere because it could be different depending on who it is."

Coyote den being monitored

Authorities confirmed they are investigating not only Thursday's incident but also two further coyote attacks that occurred elsewhere in the province last month, as reported by CTV News.

Nick Stow, programme manager of the natural systems and strategic initiatives department in Ottawa, told the outlet that a coyote den in the vicinity of the park had already been under observation.

"The area surrounding the coyote den has been posted with warning signs for several weeks and was recently updated to include 'No Public Entry' signage."

City response

Orléans South-Navan Ward Councillor Catherine Kitts told CTV News that the 4 June attack had prompted a reassessment of how the city was managing the situation.

"Given the location of the den, there is considerable complexity and fluidity involved in developing the appropriate course of action moving forward, particularly when balancing public safety, wildlife management practices, and provincial regulations."

Advice for residents

The city is urging residents to report any coyote sightings by calling 3-1-1 or filing a report via the city's website. Guidance published on that site notes that coyotes are ordinarily wary of humans, and advises anyone who encounters one to remain calm and move away slowly.

"Coyotes are usually wary and fearful of humans. Do not turn your back and run. Stand tall, wave your hands, and make plenty of loud noises."