“They were all real bites that pierced the skin,” said Fish and Wildlife captain Patrick Foy.
A team worked overnight to complete the DNA work, and Foy said he and his colleagues were not surprised by the results.
“Many of us suspected it was the same animal, since the vast majority of coyotes are shy and people will not see them, but we have to exhaust all of our resources to determine the connection … that’s why all the our DNA the work has been done. “
Authorities now look for the animal that will be euthanized and tested for rabies, which requires a sample of brain tissue and cannot be done with a live animal, said Foy.
Tuesday’s attack took place around 8:30 am, near the intersection of Campolindo Drive and Calle La Montana. The child’s mother managed to get the coyote to come free and they ran away, and the coyote was last seen running north on Calle La Montana, according to police.
The Moraga police, the Moraga-Orinda Fire Department and officials from the Contra Costa County Animal Services responded, but did not find the animal.
“From what I hear, she’s fine,” said Foy of the victim. “It wasn’t a fatal injury, but it really scared her and her mother. We hope she will recover completely.”
Authorities are warning people not to leave small children or pets unattended outside and to take extra precautions during dusk and dawn, when coyotes are known to be most active.
Coyotes usually have a natural fear of humans, but some animals are more comfortable around them, even aggressive, usually because of people feeding them directly or indirectly. Foy said domestic cats, pet food, garbage and fruit fallen from trees are sources of food for coyotes. “Coyotes have adapted to human encouragement probably better than any other animal in the wild,” he said.
Bay City News contributed to this report.