A coyote has been killed in a northern area of Winnipeg where two children were attacked in separate incidents last month.
On July 4, Manitoba Natural Resources announced “one adult coyote has been located and humanely euthanized as part of efforts by the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service to respond to recent coyote attacks on children in the North Kildonan area of Winnipeg.”
The bulletin added the animal has been sent for testing. And it added that conservation officers and the Manitoba Trappers Association continue to patrol the area for any other aggressive wildlife.
The first attack came on June 24. According to Winnipeg police, a coyote attacked a 9-year-old boy.
“The investigation revealed that a 15-year-old girl and her 9-year-old brother were walking in the Popko Crescent and Knowles Avenue area when they noticed a coyote,” said a release from police.
“The coyote began running towards them as they fled. The 9-year boy was mauled, at which time an area resident chased the coyote away. As a result, the boy sustained multiple injuries and was transported to hospital in stable condition.”
The second attack happened in the evening of June 30. In a news release, Manitoba Natural Resources said it happened within a few blocks of the first attack.
“The child has been treated and released from hospital,” it said.
The province announced extra patrols in the area by conservation officers. A trapper from the Manitoba Trappers Association was also brought in to try to catch the animal.
Despite the fact that one coyote has been killed, the province is still advising people in the area to be careful.
“Supervise children closely, feed pets indoors, keep animals on a leash, and reduce attractants,” the bulletin advises.
And if a coyote is spotted, the province has other tips, such as trying to appear large, staying in a group, and avoiding running—because that might prompt the animal to chase.
While people in the area have reported a number of coyote sightings in recent weeks, the province said unprovoked attacks on people are “extremely rare but do occur.”
- Coyotes are attracted to food and food waste in people’s yards, such as fallen fruit, pet food, bird seed, and garbage.
- Coyotes can attack people’s pets or livestock.
- Coyotes can carry diseases and parasites that may infect people or their animals.
- Coyotes are naturally timid animals. It is important to keep it that way, for the safety of people, pets, and coyotes. This can be done by scaring coyotes away—an activity known as “hazing.”
- Though coyote attacks on people are rare, it can happen. The risk increases if the animal has previously been fed by people, because the coyote may associate people with food.
