Coyote Attacks 12-Year-Old Boy in Nobleton While He Waited for a Friend
NOBLETON, ONTARIO — A young boy was bitten by a coyote in a quiet residential neighborhood just before his birthday celebration, prompting police to issue a public safety warning.
Twelve-year-old Rocco Morra was sitting on the curb outside his home on June 29 when the unexpected encounter occurred. “I didn’t even see it coming. Suddenly, I felt something clamp down on my leg — it was a coyote,” he recalled.
The attack happened around noon as Rocco was waiting for a friend to arrive. The family had rented a waterslide for a year-end birthday party and placed it on the front lawn. Despite being born in January, the celebration was planned for the end of the school year.
“When I tried to get up, I couldn’t move right away,” Rocco said. “Once I managed to stand, I ran straight into the house. The coyote just stood there, staring.”
The animal left four puncture wounds on Rocco’s left thigh — two in the front and two in the back. He was taken to the hospital, where he received a rabies shot and medical treatment. Doctors told him he was lucky the injuries weren’t worse.
York Regional Police have since issued a warning to residents, noting that the same coyote has been spotted multiple times in the area. They’re urging people, especially in the King Road and Highway 27 corridor, to remain cautious.
Rocco’s mother, Deborah, said the entire encounter lasted under a minute. “We’ve seen coyotes pass through the neighborhood, but I never thought one would actually attack a child,” she said.
Authorities are also reminding the public not to feed wild animals. “That’s what’s driving them in,” Deborah warned. “Please, stop feeding the coyotes.”
