Los Angeles Neighbor Faces Charges After Toddler Bitten in Atwater Village Coyote Attack

Authorities in Los Angeles are pursuing criminal charges against an Atwater Village resident accused of feeding a wild coyote that eventually bit a 16-month-old toddler. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) confirmed that it will refer the case to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office for the illegal feeding of wildlife, following a months-long period in which neighbors complained the animal was becoming dangerously habituated to humans.

The attack occurred last Friday in the 3300 block of Glenhurst Avenue. State wildlife officials later identified, captured, and euthanized the coyote responsible for the incident. While the specific condition of the toddler has not been released in detail, the attack has fueled significant community concern regarding the intersection of urban development and local wildlife.

CDFW spokesperson Cort Klopping confirmed that officials have contacted the individual suspected of feeding the animal. While the identity of the neighbor has not been released due to the ongoing investigation, officials stated that the case hinges on evidence that the resident provided food to the predator for months before the attack occurred. Under California law, it is illegal to feed undomesticated mammalian predators, including coyotes.

Local residents say the coyote had become a constant and threatening presence in the neighborhood as early as January. Joe Marconi, who lives in Atwater Village near the site of the attack, said he personally asked a neighbor to stop feeding the animal, but the request was refused. Other neighbors reported that the coyote had begun approaching homes with increasing frequency, leading many to stop taking their pets outside. One resident recounted an incident where he was forced to yell at the animal to drive it away after it approached his property.

Los Angeles Animal Services reported that it received several complaints throughout the spring but struggled to gather enough evidence for an earlier intervention. On May 20, an animal control officer visited the home of the person suspected of feeding the coyote. According to agency spokesperson Agnes Sibal-von Debschitz, the individual denied the allegations at the time and a search of the property yielded no physical evidence of a violation. Despite continued complaints in June, the agency stated it coordinated with state wildlife officials while awaiting actionable proof of a crime.

Wildlife experts with the Urban Coyote Project warn that intentional feeding is the primary cause of coyote aggression toward humans. When wild animals lose their natural fear of people, they often begin to test humans and pets as potential prey. While coyote attacks are statistically rare—with only about 10 nonfatal incidents reported annually across the United States and Canada—biologists note that almost all such cases involve animals that have been habituated to human food sources.

L.A. Animal Services described the attack as a disturbing incident and stated that its personnel are continuing to work with state agencies on wildlife management. The L.A. City Attorney’s office has not yet commented on when formal charges might be filed or what specific penalties the accused neighbor may face.