CHINO HILLS, Calif. (Map, News) - A nanny pulled a 2-year-old girl from the jaws of a coyote Friday when the animal attacked the toddler and tried to carry her away in its mouth, officials said.

The girl was playing in a sandbox at Alterra Park in Chino Hills in San Bernardino County. Around 10:30 a.m., the caretaker heard screaming and saw a coyote trying to carry the child off in its mouth, officials said.

The babysitter grabbed the child and pulled her from the coyote's grasp, the sheriff's department said in a statement.

The coyote then ran off into nearby brush.

The child suffered wounds to her buttocks and was taken to Chino Valley Medical Center and was later released, director of nursing Anne Marie Robertson said. She was later transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center to receive the rabies vaccine.

San Bernardino County Animal Control and the State Department of Fish and Game were searching for the animal, Wiltshire said.

Miller said there was another attack in the area in October when a coyote bit a 3-year-old girl playing in a cul-de-sac. The girl needed treatment for puncture wounds to the head and thigh, Miller said.

Comments from Examiner Readers

4:57 PM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "14-month-old bitten by coyote in SoCal park"

Examiner Reader said:
I live a block from this park, and my home is in a secluded cul de sac that is regularly visited by coyotes because it backs up to a hill directly connected to the Chino Hills State Park. That coyote was probably the same one the I've seen several times in my yard and have reported to the Inland Valley representative on more than one occasion along with the bobcat that likes to hang out about 50 feet from my home. I know I am not the only resident in this cul-de-sac to have reported that these coyotes were not afraid enough of humans to run off as in previous occasions. This could have been prevented if our "complaints" had been taken seriously and acted upon 6-7 months ago when we first reported them. I expect and respect the wildlife we live so close to, therefore I am always watching out for my children and pet. All the animals play a role in area in which we live. The key control. Take care of the few that overstep their boounds.

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7:48 PM MST on Mon., May. 5, 2008 re: "14-month-old bitten by coyote in SoCal park"

Fox and Coyote dog hunter said:
Why don't you trap the population of" highly known predetors" out "humanly" with rubber jawed traps or snares, then build a very large pen say 2000 acres and let then people that run hounds run them,not shoot at them. Then, everyone will benefit from it.. The fluffy lovers will know the yotes will be feed and the houndsmen will have a new pen to run in.. If the state would build it and run the pen it might even lower your gas prices!!

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9:12 PM MST on Sun., May. 4, 2008 re: "14-month-old bitten by coyote in SoCal park"

HunterJoe said:
Maryland, So I guess your answer is to stay in the city??..Oh Yeah, they tried that and the coyotes are there too. If you think we are encroaching on the coyote's territory, perhaps you should wrap a hemp rope around your neck and jump out of the last tree you saved....

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8:25 AM MST on Sun., May. 4, 2008 re: "14-month-old bitten by coyote in SoCal park"

Examiner Reader said:
There are signs all around the park. It was not as if people didn't know that this could happen.

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8:16 AM MST on Sun., May. 4, 2008 re: "14-month-old bitten by coyote in SoCal park"

from Maryland said:
Yes, we must resolve the issue created by our invasion of the wildlife territory. But, we "People" need to STOP taking over everything we see instead of continuing to invade and then kill off the creatures who are simply trying to feed themselves and their families --- protect their territory (just as we would do in their position).

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4:40 PM MST on Fri., May. 2, 2008 re: "14-month-old bitten by coyote in SoCal park"

Examiner Reader said:
This story is about my best friend's daughter. These coyotes are prevalent in our neighborhood and are seen more and more in the daytime, brazenly sauntering across the street. The problem with killing them off (Which Chino Hills has done in the past) is that there will be more prey available which triggers the females to have larger litters and potentially makes the problem even greater. This area is adjacent to the Chino Hills State Park where the coyotes have flourished for years. I am just surprised they aren't scared of humans. Next one I see by the mailboxes will learn that not all of us are so nice.

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4:30 PM MST on Fri., May. 2, 2008 re: "14-month-old bitten by coyote in SoCal park"

Scott said:
Thank the tree-hugger/animal-lover types who won't allow anyone to shoot Coyotes just outside a city... every single time a child is attacked or a pet is killed by them. Coyotes aren't cute fluffy puppies folks, they are vermin. When they are allowed to flourish too close to a town or city, they lose their fear of humans. Then, things like this happen. The same goes for mountain lions. Ever wonder why they started attacking joggers and bicyclists a few years back? The state no longer allows them to be shot. Thanks animal rights nuts! The blood of those attacked by mountain lions since then is on your hands.

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