Police were called to the scene near Huntington Beach Pier around 9:45 p.m. Thursday, according to police spokeswoman Jennifer Carey. They found the young girl with “serious but non-threatening injuries” before being transported to the hospital. He was with two women and another toddler sitting by the sea when he wandered “a few feet” and was attacked, said Fish and Wildlife Department captain Patrick Foy. The animal emerged from the darkness and struck the girl in an attack that lasted 12 seconds, he added. Then he passed around her before her cries forced him to leave. Two coyotes were shot by police after the incident and will be examined for rabies and matched with the victim’s DNA. Image: Coyotes are common throughout California. Photo file The animals are common throughout California, with about 10 to 12 attacks in the state each year, Captain Foy said. They usually affect young children, but adults have been attacked, he added.
