A Texas toddler is in critical condition after he was mauled by a coyote Tuesday, authorities said.

The 2-year-old was sitting outside his Dallas home when he was attacked at about 8:30 a.m., police said.

"It's gut-wrenching," a neighbor said. "That little boy was sitting on his front porch, and that animal came right up to the porch, unfazed whatsoever, and attacked him."

WATCH: COYOTE ATTACKS TODDLER IN HUNTINGTON BEACH TOURIST AREA

Immediately following the attack, the toddler was taken to a hospital, where he is still in critical condition.

The coyote had no fear, the neighbor said.

"[It] came out across the street and stood there, staring in the direction of where the EMTs and the parents were," he said.

The animal finally fled into nearby woods after an officer arrived on the scene and shot at it, according to a report.

The coyote was located at about 3 p.m. in the woods, Dallas Animal Services said.

Residents of the area are said to be very familiar with the coyote that attacked the boy, and some have reportedly pet and fed the animal, the report noted.

"This tragic incident shows why it is critical that residents treat all wildlife as wild animals," animal services said.

Other residents have been complaining about the animal for weeks.

At least one person said he thought the coyote was going to attack a young child near an elementary school on Easter, according to the report.

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"It looked like it wanted to attack a kid," the local said.