DNA from a coyote that pounced on a child near the Huntington Beach Pier last week matched samples from one of two shot and killed following the attack, state officials said Sunday, May 1.

The 2-year-old girl was just a few steps behind her mother when one of the coyotes knocked her down and attacked her on the beach at about 9:45 p.m. Thursday, April 28, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Capt. Patrick Foy said. Huntington Beach police responded and shot two coyotes found in the area, HBPD Lt. Shawn Randell said.

The child suffered bites to her head and face that were not considered life-threatening, Foy said. Samples taken from her wounds were used to confirm that the animal that hurt her had been killed.

The attack lasted about 10 seconds, as seen in livestreamed footage captured near the scene Thursday evening. At least one coyote was seen returning to the area afterward.

One was shot and killed by officers near Pacific Coast Highway and Goldenwest Street, but was not believed to have been involved in the attack, police said.

The coyote that injured the toddler was spotted later on the beach and shot, but managed to flee into nearby wetlands. It was then found beneath a trailer at a trailer park near Huntington Street and Atlanta Avenue, captured and euthanized.

“I can tell you it is uncommon for them to approach, and extremely uncommon for them to attack people,” Foy said Sunday.

Coyotes are normally afraid of people, according to Fish and Wildlife officials. But they become more likely to approach humans if sources of food can be found in populated areas.

If this happens, the animals are known to harass pets and livestock. Coyotes may continue this behavior even if they are relocated, so those that become a potential threat to humans must be killed, according to Fish and Wildlife officials.

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