Home > News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Coyote Attack Victim Released from Hospital (Update)

Coyote Attack Victim Released from Hospital (Update)

COPS Distributet Coyote Warnings

By Michael P. Neufeld
Thursday, May 8, 2008

Update — Thursday 4:50 a.m.

Lake Arrowhead, CA — A Lake Arrowhead 2-year-old girl was released from the hospital late Wednesday after suffering bite wounds May 6 when a coyote attacked her in front yard of a residence in the 28700 block of Laurel Drive.

While Fish and Game and San Bernardino County Animal Control personnel combed the area looking to trap coyotes, San Bernardino Sheriff's Department Citizens on Patrol (COPS) distributed literature to residents in the area where the attack occurred.

Original Story

Lake Arrowhead, CA – A 2-year-old Lake Arrowhead girl is recovering today from bite wounds suffered just before noon yesterday (May 6) when a coyote attacked her in the front yard of a residence in the 28700 block of Laurel Drive.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Michael O'Brien told RIMOFTHEWORLD.NET the mother of the young girl, identified as Melissa Ann Rowley, had been taking pictures of the child and three other children and had gone inside to put the camera away when the attack occurred.

Coyote On OldToll (Photo by Chris Lewis.)

"The coyote apparently ran up to the children," Sgt. O'Brien stated, "and grabbed the victim by the head and began dragging the child towards the street about 11:45 a.m. yesterday."

When the mother head the screams of the children she reportedly exited the residence and charged towards the coyote and the victim.

"The coyote," Sgt. O'Brien continued, "jumped back releasing the victim allowing Rowley to pick her up and bring her inside. She then drove the victim to Mountains Community Hospital for initial treatment of several punctures to the head and neck area, and a one-inch laceration to her mouth."

Sergeant Michael O'Brien from the Twin Peaks Sheriff's office urges parents to keep a close watch on small children and pets in light of the recent coyote attack on a 2-year-old Lake Arrowhead girl on Tuesday. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The victim was then airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center where she was expected to make a complete recovery, a Sheriff's Department news release stated.

The California Department of Fish and Game and San Bernardino County Animal Control officials have been monitoring the Lake Arrowhead area where the attack occurred and overnight set traps to try and capture the coyote.

"We want to stress the importance of adults closely watching their youngsters and small animals," Sgt. O'Brien emphasized. "Hunting of coyotes is not allowed and citizens should be aware that Fish and Game has not issued verbal or written approval to dispatch the animals.

"Our main concern at this time," he added, "is for public safety. Neighbors in the area had seen a lot of coyote activity in the are prior to the attack. If citizens see aggressive or stalking behavior by coyotes they should call 911 immediately so the incident can be documented."

Sgt. O'Brien told news reporters summoned to the Twin Peaks Sheriff's office this morning that there had been a second report yesterday of a coyote advancing on a small child.

"Parents really need to keep their eyes on small children and small pets," O'Brien stressed again.

Animal control officials spotted one coyote in the area that may have been suffering from mange, which is a parasitic infestation of the skin that causes hair loss, itching and inflammation.

Later today, members of the Citizens On Patrol (COPS) will be distributing information handouts in the area of yesterday's incident.

Last Friday, an 18-month old girl was bitten by a coyote that tried to carry her off as she played at Altura Park in Chino Hills, according to a Sheriff's Department release.

Click here to discuss this news