UPDATE 12:19 PM – Arlington Animal Services Director Ashley Woolnough says the coyote captured Thursday morning has been euthanized and will be tested for rabies. Woolnough says knowing with certainty animal care workers captured the same animal that bit three children is difficult, this coyote was deemed a “problem animal” after an officer reported it had approached him in an aggressive manner after coming up from a nearby creekbed. USDA Wildlife Services will take over the investigation at the park and surrounding areas to determine if more coyotes are acting aggressively and if more animals should be caught and euthanized to be tested for rabies. Woolnough says it is the start of breeding season, so while there should be no pups at risk with the loss of this animal, coyotes normally begin behaving more aggressively as the breeding season continues. She advises anyone walking in or near a wooded area to be extremely alert to possible coyotes in the area, to carry a stick, keep pets on short leashes close to your body, and chemical sprays such as pepper spray can be another alternative should you and yours face a threat.
ARLINGTON (WBAP/KLIF News ) -Just days after three children were bitten by a coyote at an Arlington park, Arlington Animal Services announced Thursday morning that workers captured the coyote believed to be responsible for the terrifying encounters.
The incidents happened at Parkway Central Park on Van Buren drive near Lamar Boulevard and Cooper Street.
The first child was bitten last Saturday, February 10, and the subsequent encounters happened within days of each other.
In an effort to capture the coyote, the city installed barricades at the park entrances and placed digital message board signs along the park perimeter to warn the community.
Arlington Animal Services said the coyote will be humanely euthanized and taken to Texas Health and Human Services in Austin for rabies testing.
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