Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
Authorities of the Contra Costa County are still searching for a coyote that has attacked at least five people, including two minors, which is why an alert has been issued for people to take precautions when walking in the area.
The latest case involved a man who was bitten in front of the Kwik Stop convenience store on Golden Gate Way in Lafayette, CBS SF Bay Area media reported.
The person attacked by the animal was interviewed by Contra Costa Animal Services, who also clipped his clothing was collected for DNA testing, which showed it was "the same coyote responsible for the other four bite incidents," authorities said in a news release.
The latest report of bites came just three days after a child was bitten in an attack around 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of Campolindo Drive and Calle la Montana in Moraga.
Of note, local agencies are working with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, which is the lead organization in investigating bite reports and partners with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wildlife Services.
Authorities said a round-the-clock effort is underway to eliminate the coyote.
"A detailed survey of the surrounding terrain, including the use of game tracking cameras and field tracking, has been conducted to determine specific areas of coyote activity and patterns," officials said.
Lafayette and Moraga police asked the public to report any coyote sightings, and to call Moraga police dispatch at (925) 284-5010 and the Lafayette office at (925) 284-5010.
Also, authorities advised those who see a coyote to make loud noises and use noise-making devices such as a whistle or horn or even throw rocks if necessary, and they should never be fed.
Coyotes, being wild animals, are unpredictable in their behavior, so be aware of your surroundings when outdoors and do not leave small children or pets unattended outside.
In addition, special care should be taken at dusk and dawn when coyotes are known to be most active, officials said.
