Chicago Coyote Attack: Boy Bitten ‘On the Head’ Near Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
OutdoorHub Reporters 01.09.20
A young boy had to be taken to the hospital Wednesday evening to treat wounds he suffered when a coyote attacked him outside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum inside Lincoln Park.
Authorities are saying the 5-year-old boy was ambushed by the animal near the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum around 4 p.m., CBS Chicago reported.
After the attack, the coyote was seen vacating the area heading north.
The boy sustained “multiple” bite injuries – including at least one on his head – and was taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital for treatment. His condition has been confirmed as stable.
Twitter user, Xime Mendez, sent a CBS 2 reporter video of a seemingly wounded coyote limping down the sidewalk just blocks away from the museum – about a half-hour BEFORE the incident took place.
@CharlieDeMar spotted today, two blocks away from the zoo at Lincoln Park pic.twitter.com/ewd268ShCZ
— Xime Mendez (@Ximex24) January 9, 2020
Adding to the oddities, there had been previous reports of several coyotes lurking the streets of the North Side, prompting Abraham Lincoln Elementary to cancel all outdoor activities for the day.
Lincoln Park High School was also placed on lockdown Thursday morning, according to Chicago Public Schools spokeswoman Emily Bolton.
Chicago Animal Care and Control is working alongside Chicago police with the investigation of the recent attacks and other coyote sightings in the last week.
CACC sent out a tweet on social media warning Chicagoans of coyote sightings around the city.
Though it is unusual for a coyote to approach or bite a person, residents should take caution if they encounter a coyote and notify Chicago Animal Care and Control by calling 311.
— Chicago Animal Care and Control (@ChicagoACC) January 9, 2020
