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Police have ordered the closure of a popular Montebello park and petting zoo after three people were attacked recently by coyotes.

Although incidents of coyotes attacking small dogs and cats are a fact of life in Southern California, attacks on people are rare, and officials and neighbors alike expressed worry Tuesday over the animals’ brazen behavior. Two of the victims were forced to seek treatment for possible rabies infection.

“People are not food for coyotes,” said Andrew Hughan, information officer for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Generally, they’re afraid of us.”

Already, wildlife personnel have shot and killed four coyotes at Grant Rea Park and were preparing to trap and kill others Tuesday evening, officials said.

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