A coyote has been euthanized in a northern area of Winnipeg where two children were attacked in separate incidents last month. The Manitoba Natural Resources announced that one adult coyote has been located and humanely put down as part of their efforts to respond to recent coyote attacks on children in the North Kildonan area of Winnipeg. The animal has been sent for testing, and conservation officers and the Manitoba Trappers Association are continuing to patrol the area for any other aggressive wildlife.
The first attack occurred on June 24 when a coyote attacked a 9-year-old boy. Winnipeg police stated 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. The coyote began running towards them as they fled. The 9-year-old boy was mauled, and a resident in the area chased the coyote away. The boy sustained multiple injuries but is in stable condition after being transported to the hospital.
The second attack happened in the evening of June 30, within a few blocks of the first attack. Manitoba Natural Resources released a statement saying that the child involved in the second attack has been treated and released from the hospital. Additional patrols by conservation officers and the intervention of a trapper were implemented in the area in an attempt to catch the animal.
Despite euthanizing one coyote, the province is still advising caution to people in the area. They recommend supervising children closely, feeding pets indoors, keeping animals on a leash, and reducing attractants. If a coyote is spotted, the province suggests appearing large, staying in a group, and avoiding running to prevent the animal from giving chase.
While there have been several coyote sightings in the area recently, the province emphasizes that unprovoked attacks on people are rare but can occur. The government website provides various tips on how to deal with coyotes, including avoiding food and food waste in yards, as well as taking precautions to protect pets and livestock. It is important to keep coyotes naturally timid through the practice of “hazing” to ensure the safety of both people and animals. Feeding coyotes increases the risk of attacks as they may associate people with food.
The only documented fatal attack by coyotes in Canada took place in October 2009, when a 19-year-old woman was attacked by a pack of coyotes while hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.