The 10-year-old boy who reportedly was bitten by a coyote on the way to school in Irvine on Tuesday, Oct. 22 tested negative for coyote DNA, California Department of Fish and Wildlife said on Thursday.
“Coyote DNA was not found on the clothing,” Tim Daly, a Fish and Wildlife spokesman, said. “Dog DNA was detected.”
The boy was riding his bike to Portola Springs Elementary School and was near Pathway when he stopped to remove his jacket, Irvine police Sgt. Karie Davies said. He felt something on his lower leg and realized he’d been bitten.
Once he arrived at school, the boy reported the injury and was treated by his doctor for a minor skin break.
“We have the child’s statement and the minor injury, coupled with him seeing the coyote run away from his direction,” Davies said.
Daly said Fish and Wildlife trappers did not locate a coyote in the area after trying for a couple of days.
