Police think two large coyotes may have attacked Thornhill residents, Canada

A coyote is seen in this file photo.

Residents of Thornhill are being asked to remain vigilant as police search for two wild animals that terrorized locals Monday evening.

York Regional Police said Tuesday that they believe large coyotes attacked three people, including a police officer, in the Bayview Avenue and John Street area yesterday.

Witnesses had at first described them as German Shepherds but police say the animals are likely more aggressive than house pets.

"It is believed that these animals have been living in the area for about two years," police said in a news release. "This is the first known report of them being aggressive towards humans."

Authorities were first alerted to the animals yesterday morning after someone called police to report a sighting on Evergreen Crescent.

"The animals chased several people into their homes and at one point, had to be fended off with a rake," police said.

Responding officers soon located them in a neighbour's backyard and had to use pepper spray to defend themselves after the animals lunged at police. The canines scampered into a nearby wooded area.

Police located them again Monday afternoon in the woods and a shot was fired from a gun in an attempt to capture the creatures but police were not successful in containing the animals.

"Due to the imminent threat and concern for public safety, and without having tranquilizers or other viable non-lethal options, a firearm was discharged," the news release said. "It is believed that one of the animals was shot in the upper shoulder area and both of them rapidly fled and went deeper into the wooded area.

Later in the afternoon, police received information that the animals had attacked again, this time in the area of King's College Road and Green Lane. This time, two women were attacked. They were bitten by the animals but suffered minor injuries.

Night fell without further sightings. Police were back on the hunt for the animals Tuesday morning.

Experts with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) are helping police in their search.

In the meantime, police are doing what they can to keep people safe. They've blocked access to a local park and told one family to stay off a local field.

They've also sent their Emergency Response Unit to the area to manage the situation.

Chris Alexander, a spokesperson for the City of Markham, told CP24 officials are focused on keeping the public safe.

"Stay away from park for time being," he warned. "We started process yesterday morning and worked through the night trying to find the dogs. Our first priority is public safety. These dogs are very aggressive."

Alexander said parents of young children should be extra vigilant.

"Small children and small dogs, keep them inside for today until we find out where the dogs are and can deal with the situation properly," he said.

One man who lives in the area wasn't taking any chances when he took his dog out for a walk today. He was armed with a walking stick for protection.

"I guess it could happen anywhere, I'm just being protective," Abe Gabel told CP24. "We take walks everyday and just wanted to make sure my dog is protected."

Police are warning anyone who comes across the animals to call authorities and protect themselves from danger.

"Do not approach them, do not offer them food or treats," police said. "Do not try to physically restrain, capture or control any unknown animals."