6-year-old boy brutally attacked by coyote during sister’s softball tournament

CARSON, Calif. (KCAL/KCBS) - A 6-year-old boy from California has bite wounds all over his body after he was attacked by a coyote during his sister’s youth softball tournament.

While his sister played softball, 6-year-old Enoch Palomar was behind the diamond last Monday at Del Amo Park in Carson. That’s when he spotted a coyote.

“I ran as fast as I can,” Enoch said. “I tripped on a rock, and then, it jumped and bit. It felt like pain, like I got bit from a wolf.”

After seeing what was happening, Enoch’s mother, Melissa Palomar, ran to her son and scared the coyote away.

“I’m glad I was there to see my kid and run to the rescue, but it could have been a tragedy,” she said.

Enoch suffered multiple deep puncture wounds on both his thighs, his back and the back of his head. He had to get 20 stitches and several rabies shots.

In response to the coyote attack, Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes expressed her condolences to Enoch and his family in a written statement.

“The City of Carson is deeply saddened by the incident,” she wrote. “Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Coyotes are a known presence in our region, and the city continues to take proactive measures to protect residents.”

There are signs at the front of the park that warn people to beware of coyotes. However, some neighbors say more needs to be done to address “problem” coyotes, particularly when they start attacking people.

“I hope the city does something, and they’re accountable for it,” Palomar said. “I know it’s wildlife and we can’t control them, but I hope they do something to have parents alerted.”

Palomar says the California Department of Fish and Wildlife took her son’s shirt for their investigation. They hope it will help them identify and trap the coyote that attacked him.