SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Arizona Game & Fish is searching for a coyote in Scottsdale and asking the public for help spotting the animal after it went after two children.
"AZGFD Mesa is looking for a large, healthy coyote that has injured two toddlers in Scottsdale," the agency said in a tweet.
Anyone who sees a coyote in the area of 94th Street and Thompson Peak Parkway, along the Central Arizona canal to Cactus Road, should report the sighting as soon as possible, the agency said.
"The coyote shows little fear of people and may have been illegally fed in the past," said AZGFD.
On March 18, a toddler was scratched by a coyote at Aztec Park near Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and Thunderbird Road. The boy is undergoing rabies treatment.
On March 22, another toddler was attacked by a coyote. The second attack happened within two-mile area of the first, near Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard.
Both of the children are expected to be okay.
When he was interview last week, Darren Julian, an urban wildlife specialist with AZGFD, said this type of behavior for coyotes is "very unusual."
"A normal coyote, when they hear us, see us, smell us, they are hiding away or running away," said Julian.
AZGFD urged parents to keep children indoors and be vigilant until the coyote can be removed.
Anyone who see a coyote should call AZGFD at 623-236-7201.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.