A child was bitten and chased by a coyote in Portland on Thursday and later treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said.

Two children, a 3-year-old and a 9-year-old, were playing hide-and-seek in their yard in Northeast Portland’s Alameda neighborhood last Thursday when a coyote approached the older child and “grabbed their foot,” the department said in a press release.

The department confirmed that the coyote bit the child.

The 9-year-old was in socks and was able to shake their foot out of the sock and get away from the coyote. The animal chased the child, the press release said, but the child’s father was on the front porch and began yelling at the coyote, which then ran away.

The child was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.

Coyote sightings are common in Portland, especially in the fall. Coyote attacks are less common, but do happen. Last summer, a coyote bit a dog in Washington Park and followed the owner.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said it responded to the call in the Alameda Neighborhood and conducted an investigation.

The department has also posted flyers in the neighborhood and a notice on social media. The agency said it is continuing to monitor the area.

“Residents in the Alameda neighborhood are strongly encouraged to monitor young children playing outside, especially toddlers,” the press release said. “Scare away coyotes (through yelling, airhorns, banging pots and pans, throwing objects) whenever possible, and immediately remove any attractants.”

People should never feed coyotes — it is, in fact, illegal in Oregon to do so, the agency said.

Do not approach a coyote if you see one.

If you encounter an aggressive coyote, call 971-673-6000 or dial 911 if there is an attack or other emergency.

You can find out more about urban coyotes by visiting portlandcoyote.com.

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