By Lookout Staff

July 1, 2025 -- Two vicious coyote attacks in Ocean Park last month resulted in the death of one dog and seriously injured another, police officials said Thursday.

According to animal control "there is no way of knowing if the same coyote attacked both dogs" in the separate incidents that took place on adjoining blocks five days apart.

The first attack took place in the 500 block of Pacific Street on June 9 at around 10:30 p.m., according to the Police Department's blog, The Blue Notebook, for the week of June 8.

"The dog owner stated they were staying with a friend and had let their dog out into the side yard while dealing with an electrical issue when they heard the coyote attack," the blog reported.

"The coyote released the dog and fled over a 10-foot wall. The dog's injuries were so severe that the owner elected to have the dog euthanized."

The second attack took place in the 2200 block of 5th Street on June 14 at around 7:20 a.m., according to police.

"While investigating, Animal Control observed the coyote escaping through a fence hole onto a neighboring property and then over a wall into the backyard of the 2200 block of 6th Street," the blog reported.

"Animal Control inspected the property on the 6th Street block and later set a trap after the resident reported the coyote had returned to their yard that afternoon."

The dog in the second attack "sustained several puncture wounds on its right shoulder and a serious wound to its left armpit/chest area."

Animal Control notified the owner of the requirement to quarantine the dog for 30 days, and a Los Angeles County Domestic vs. Wild Mammal Incident Report was completed, police said.

Animal Control "will continue to monitor the area and set traps based on calls of sightings," police said.

Accounts of coyote sightings and attacks linked to the January Palisades Fire have been increasing in Santa Monica ("Coyote Encounters Increase in Wake of Wildfires," May 13, 2025).

Experts have noted the fire "devastated large areas of the Santa Monica Mountains and displaced numerous wildlife species, including coyotes," City officials said.

"As a result, these animals have ventured deeper into urban neighborhoods in search of food and shelter."