A five-year-old boy was bitten by a coyote on New Year's Eve in Renton's Maplewood Heights neighborhood, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The attack occurred around 6 p. m. , with the coyote inflicting bites on the child's upper body and attempting to drag him toward a nearby greenbelt. The boy's mother quickly intervened, rushing at the coyote, which prompted the animal to release the child.

Wildlife officers arrived shortly after, but the coyote managed to escape into a nearby forested area. Fortunately, the child sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated and released later that evening. This incident raises important questions about the safety of urban wildlife interactions, especially in residential neighborhoods. It serves as a reminder for parents and guardians to be vigilant about wildlife, particularly in areas where coyotes may be present. Increased awareness and preventive measures can help reduce the risks associated with such encounters.