Man holding child bit by coyote in Groveland

GROVELAND, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Frightening scenes of an animal on the attack played out in the town Groveland Monday night. In two separate incidents, people were attacked by coyotes.

In the first case, the man was bitten. In the second, the victim was able to kick the animal, forcing it to leave. The two incidents forced Groveland police to put out reverse 911 calls to warn residents to be careful.

Police Chief Robert Kirmelewicz says just after 8 p.m., police were called to a home on Manor Drive, where a man said a coyote had bitten him. The man said he was carrying his 4-year-old daughter into his home when the animal ran up and bit him before running off. The little girl was not injured, but her dad needed to be rushed to the ER for medical attention.

Just a short time later and about a mile south, a second call came in to police from a man on Gardner Street who said he also had an encounter with an aggressive coyote who approached him in his yard. The man said he kicked the animal several times before the animal finally ran off without biting him.

"We are asking all residents to be watchful and when outside use extra care for your safety and the safety of your children and pets," said Groveland Deputy Police Chief Jeffrey Gillen.

Police warn the coyote should be considered rabid and dangerous, adding anyone who makes contact would require medical attention.

Police reminded residents of the following:

• Do not leave food outside, as coyotes may be attracted to it

• Do not approach, feed, pet, or try to interact with wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, or other wild animals

• It is always a good idea to have your pets on-leash. Small cats and dogs are vulnerable to predatory attacks by a number of animals.

• Keep an eye on children playing outside

• Do not fire warning shots into the air to try to discourage coyotes from approaching.

If you see a coyote, call 911.

Cox Media Group