A public safety warning in Markham has widened after a young child was bitten by a coyote near Bruce Boyd Parkette, marking the second reported coyote bite in the city in less than a week.
York Regional Police said the latest incident happened around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday in a green space near McCowan Road and 16th Avenue. The child, believed to be about four or five years old, was taken to hospital for treatment and was not seriously injured.
Officers searched the surrounding greenbelt after the bite but were unable to locate the coyote. The warning now covers several connected parks and trail areas, including Bruce Boyd Parkette, Russell Carter Tefft Park, Laurie Park, Jeffreys Pond, Ross Brown Park, Nordlingen Park, Berczy Park and Helsey Trail.
Second Markham coyote bite in days raises concern
The alert comes only days after a 16-year-old girl was bitten by a coyote in another part of Markham. Emergency crews were called on Thursday morning near Mingay Avenue and Bur Oak Avenue, close to Markham Road, after reports of an animal complaint. The teen was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Police and animal services have not confirmed whether the same animal was involved in both incidents. The most recent warning, however, points to growing concern around green spaces where residential paths, wooded corridors and park areas connect.
In its latest public notice, York Regional Police asked residents, pedestrians and pet owners to remain alert, keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid approaching or feeding coyotes. Anyone who sees a coyote behaving aggressively, lingering near people, or appearing sick or injured has been advised to contact police immediately.
The City of Markham says coyotes are adaptable animals often found near ravine systems, grassy areas and large parks. Its local wildlife guidance notes that reducing access to human food sources is one of the most important ways to prevent encounters, including securing garbage, compost and food waste around homes and public areas. Residents can read more through the cityâs Markham wildlife guidance.
Safety advice for families and pet owners
Officials generally advise residents not to run if they encounter a coyote. Instead, people should stay calm, keep their distance, make themselves appear larger, back away slowly and keep children and pets close. Dogs should remain leashed in public areas, especially near wooded paths and ravines.
Ontarioâs guidance on preventing conflicts with coyotes says sightings alone do not need to be reported unless there is an immediate threat to public safety. If a wild animal poses an immediate danger, residents should call emergency services. The province also advises people not to feed coyotes, not to leave pet food outdoors and to keep waste secured so wildlife is not drawn into residential spaces. More safety guidance is available through Ontarioâs coyote conflict prevention page.
The latest bite has left families in the area on alert as warmer weather brings more people into parks and trail networks. Police have not announced that the animal has been found, making the warning especially relevant for residents using green spaces around McCowan Road and 16th Avenue.
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