California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Los Angeles City Attorney announced plans to file criminal charges against a resident of Atwater Village who illegally fed a coyote that later bit a toddler and was subsequently euthanized.
The coyote attack followed the animal being attracted by the resident’s feeding, which violates state law that forbids feeding wild animals. CDFW spokesperson Cort Klopping said the incident illustrates the danger such actions can create.
California law prohibits feeding wildlife, and recent coyote incidents in urban neighborhoods have prompted wildlife agencies to pursue legal action against violators.