Park closed because of coyote attack

CHINO HILLS, Calif., May 6 (UPI) -- A California park has been closed temporarily after an attack on a toddler by a coyote, a wildlife official says.

Mike McBride, an assistant chief with the state wildlife division, said Friday the coyote tried to drag the child away, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. On Sunday, he said, witnesses saw another coyote "making a beeline" for a year-old child, whose father kicked the animal.

"This is over the top," he said. "When we have this kind of a problem, it's a bad idea to be a coyote. Too many problems in too small an area."

The latest incidents and an earlier attack occurred in Alterra Park, a small park next to the larger Chino Hills State Park.

McBride said at least one coyote in the area has overcome its fear of humans. He said someone may have been feeding the animal, either on purpose or accidentally by leaving edible trash.