Helen Sparrow : “3 Coyotes Shot After Attacking Child”

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Authorities in San Francisco have confirmed that three coyotes were shot and killed at the San Francisco Botanical Garden over the weekend following an incident where a 5-year-old girl was attacked by one of the animals. The incident has sparked concern among residents and officials about the presence of wildlife in urban areas.

According to Patrick Foy, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, two coyotes were shot on Saturday and one on Sunday in response to the attack on the young girl. The incident took place while the girl was playing during a supervised summer camp visit at the garden within Golden Gate Park.

The girl, who was bitten by one of the coyotes, was promptly taken to a hospital for treatment of the wound. Her mother, Helen Sparrow, recounted the incident to the San Francisco Chronicle, expressing her shock and concern over the attack.

Foy explained that in cases where wildlife attacks humans, the animals involved are euthanized, and post-mortem tests, including rabies testing and DNA sampling, are conducted to ensure public safety. In this instance, officers were able to retrieve a DNA sample from the girl’s wound, which is being used to identify the specific coyote responsible for the attack.

If none of the DNA samples match the culprit, further action may be necessary, including the possibility of trapping or eliminating other coyotes in the park to prevent future incidents. The garden, which was temporarily closed following the attack, has since reopened to visitors.

Sparrow described how her daughter was bitten on the buttocks by the coyote while attempting to run away during the incident. Medical professionals treated the girl’s wound and administered a rabies vaccine, although the likelihood of coyotes testing positive for rabies is low, as reported by the Chronicle.