A 9-year-old child in Oregon was attacked by a coyote while playing hide-and-seek in a Portland neighborhood, leading state wildlife officials to advise parents to closely monitor children outdoors and to discourage coyote encounters.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) reported that the incident occurred on Thursday evening at approximately 6:15 p.m. in Portland’s Alameda neighborhood. While two children, ages 9 and 3, were outside playing, a coyote approached and bit the 9-year-old’s foot.

Despite wearing only socks, the child managed to break free and escape as the coyote pursued. The child’s father intervened by shouting from the porch, prompting the animal to retreat.

The young victim was subsequently taken to the hospital, where they received treatment for minor injuries.

A photograph of the coyote attack was captured, illustrating the wild encounter that took place during a seemingly innocent game of hide-and-seek in a Portland backyard. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

ODFW staff immediately launched an investigation, canvassed the neighborhood and posted flyers warning residents. In the days since, officials have continued monitoring the area and working with city, state and federal partners to determine next steps.

Residents are being urged to supervise young children, keep pets leashed or indoors, remove food attractants like garbage and pet food and to use loud noises or thrown objects to scare away bold coyotes.

“Under no circumstances should people provide food to coyotes or other predators,” ODFW said. “Feeding by humans is frequently associated with attacks and aggressive behavior.”

ODFW urges the public to never feed wild coyotes, who can become aggressive around humans. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Coyotes are found throughout Oregon, including in Portland neighborhoods, and typically eat rodents, fruit and nuts.

Wildlife officials say feeding by people can make the animals bolder and more aggressive toward humans and pets.

The coyote attack happened in a suburb of Portland. (iStock)

ODFW urged residents to immediately report any aggressive behavior to its office at 971-673-6000 and to dial 911 in an emergency.