Overview
- The coyote, which was spotted Friday night near the intersection of Forest Street and Broadway, approached a 2-year-old before a neighbor intervened and was bitten on the arm.
- A man used a shovel to strike the animal and witnesses initially believed it was dead, but police say the coyote later got up, was struck by two vehicles at different times, and then fled into woods behind Solid Slice Pizzeria and Pub.
- Haverhill police deployed a drone unit to search the area but did not find the animal and told residents they believe the coyote may be deceased while still urging vigilance.
- Officials have not confirmed whether the animal is rabid and they have not released an update on the condition of the person who was bitten.
- Local video shows a coyote damaging a backyard hours before the attack though police have not verified it is the same animal, and the incident highlights rising concerns about close wildlife encounters in residential neighborhoods.