City officials say the coyote that attacked and bit the child over the weekend is still at large, and residents are advised to exercise caution when visiting West-End Park.

Toronto Police reported the bite incident just before 4:30 p.m. on May 28 at Westlake Park, near Weston Road and Black Creek Drive.

The police stated in their report that the child did not suffer serious injuries.

Toronto city officials said Wednesday that representatives from Toronto Animal Services (TAS) attended the park over the weekend "to assess the area" and check for the presence of the coyote, and to determine whether other factors such as feeding this animal might be attracting the wild animal.

City officials said in a press statement: "Coyotes generally do not pose a threat to people, and biting a human is abnormal behavior."

TAS has notified the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry about the incident and will seek their consultation and guidance on the necessary next steps to reduce such incidents.

City officials say to stay alert when observing coyotes.

Officials also said the coyote has not yet been captured, and they have placed signs at the park entrance to warn residents about coyotes in the neighborhood. TAS officers have also fenced off a specific area of the park.

Officials noted that "most coyotes approaching downtown are the result of a nearby and regular food source, primarily due to intentional feeding by people."

The report adds: "To reduce negative encounters, never feed coyotes and do not leave food outside, including pet food. Properly dispose of garbage at home and in parks. When encountering a coyote, do not run but make noise to scare the coyote. Do not approach coyotes or their dens or pups and do not touch coyotes, even if they appear tame or sick or injured."

Officials noted they must continue to educate the public about coyotes and remind everyone that existing regulations strictly prohibit feeding wildlife.

Residents can call 311 to report sightings of coyotes or dangerous animals.

Edited by: Dima Abu Khair