As holiday shoppers take to stores, a coyote lurking near a San Diego shopping mall mauled a 3-year-old girl — sending her to the hospital, San Diego Police said.
The little girl was bitten on the arm and hip around 9 PM Tuesday near the Westfield UTC shopping mall in University City, according to law enforcement officials.
A coyote attacks a 3-year-old girl near the San Diego Westfield mall, sending her to the hospital. Autumn Sky – stock.adobe.com
The attack happened at 4500 La Jolla Village Drive, less than a minute walk from the Westfield shopping center that houses high-end retailers like Nordstrom, Tommy Bahama, J.Crew, and Madewell.
The child was rushed to the hospital, while California State Parks department tried to track down the coyote— to no avail, the SDPD said.
If you find yourself face-to-face with an aggressive coyote, the best thing to do is “haze” the canine by standing tall, waving your arms and yelling, accordion to the Humane Society.
A coyote in San Diego attacks a 3-year-old girl near mall. Harry Collins – stock.adobe.com
Using noise makers like horns, bells or whistles or spraying the coyote with water will also deter the animal, the Humane Society says.
“The coyote may run away, but then stop after a distance and look at you. It is important to continue to haze the coyote until they completely leave the area,” the Humane Society states.