Wiley Coyote Euthanized After Toddler Injured in Atwater Village. Fish and Wildlife Officer Shoot Him

A 16-month-old toddler was injured in an encounter with a coyote in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles on Friday, prompting wildlife officials to euthanize an animal found nearby, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The incident occurred in the 3300 block of Glenhurst Avenue. Officials have not released details about how the child was injured, describing it only as "an incident involving a coyote." The toddler was taken to a hospital for treatment and later released.

Later that evening, CDFW officers located a coyote in the same area and euthanized it. DNA samples from both the animal and the child are being analyzed to determine whether the euthanized coyote was involved in the incident.

The event has heightened longstanding concerns among neighbors about a bold coyote nicknamed "Wiley." In August, residents reported the animal roaming the neighborhood in broad daylight, showing little fear of people, sleeping in backyards, and chasing pets and children. Some suspected it was being fed, which can habituate coyotes to humans. Neighbors documented multiple close calls, including reports of the animal approaching children on scooters.

Bold Coyote Euthanized After Toddler Injured in Atwater Village16-month-old treated and released following Friday encounter on Glenhurst Avenue; DNA testing underway as neighbors cite months of warnings about habituated animal

"We've run into the coyote maybe a few times a week. Every time we go walking," resident Libby Stankaitis told CBS Los Angeles.

CDFW has emphasized that feeding wildlife is illegal and urged residents to secure trash, remove attractants, and keep small children and pets close. Officials recommend maintaining distance, backing away slowly, making loud noises, and appearing larger by waving arms if a coyote approaches. If physical contact occurs, people should fight back and contact animal control or call 911.

It remains unclear whether the euthanized animal was the one residents had nicknamed Wiley. Some locals expressed sadness over the outcome, with one telling CBS, "I think coyotes are doing great in the urban area, and I think it's sad that we're putting them down."

The investigation continues as DNA results are pending.