For months, Atwater Village residents complained about a coyote dubbed "Wiley" that prowled the streets. They said it fed on garbage, chased pets and, in June, a neighbor warned that the animal could strike.
On June 19, Richard Dean emailed Los Angeles Animal Services, noting that the coyote could seriously hurt someone if left unchecked. The city responded by dispatching an animal‑control officer to the alleged feeder's property on May 20, but found no evidence of illegal feeding.
After the toddler's bite, wildlife officers tracked a coyote to the same block on the evening of Oct 16 and euthanised it. DNA samples taken from the child's wounds matched those of the captured animal, confirming the attack, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced on Oct 20.
City officials will review their response protocols, while state investigators continue to probe the feeding allegations. The toddler's mother said she was shaken but relieved her child was recovering.