Teen injured after rare Coyote attack in Ottawa conservation park

Authorities in Ottawa are investigating after a 14-year-old boy was attacked by three coyotes while biking home through a park in Orléans, a suburb of Canada’s capital.

The incident took place on Thursday, June 4, as the teenager rode through Lalande Conservation Park around 8:30 p.m. local time, according to his mother, who spoke to CTV News Ottawa.

She said the attack began when one coyote suddenly charged at her son, followed by two others that joined in moments later.

“One of them was clamped to his shoe, and then the other one got to his leg,” she said. “There were three of them… one was pretty big.”

The boy reportedly tried to defend himself by throwing his bicycle and helmet at the animals, but the coyotes continued the attack.

He eventually managed to escape by climbing onto a rock, where he briefly took shelter while the animals remained nearby. He later ran to a nearby school and jumped a fence to reach safety.

Coyote attacks of this kind are rare in urban Canadian settings, where the animals are typically cautious around humans. However, officials confirmed that a coyote den is located in the area and has been under monitoring for several weeks.

Nick Stow, program manager with Ottawa’s natural systems and strategic initiatives department, said warning signage had already been posted near the den and recently upgraded to “No Public Entry” notices.

The teenager was taken to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, where he was treated for scratches and received precautionary rabies treatment. He suffered abrasions on his left leg from behind the knee down to the ankle.

“He was in shock that day, he couldn’t believe that happened,” his mother said. “I think he’ll be fine, but I hope it doesn’t happen elsewhere.”

Officials are also reviewing two other coyote encounters reported elsewhere in the province last month as part of a broader investigation.

Local councillor Catherine Kitts said the incident has prompted a reassessment of how the city manages wildlife risks in residential-adjacent green spaces, noting the challenge of balancing public safety with wildlife protection policies.

Residents are being urged to report coyote sightings and follow safety guidance, including staying calm, backing away slowly, and making noise to deter animals.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and monitor the area for further activity.