Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are taking action to address a recent coyote attack in north Colorado Springs that left a 4-year-old girl seriously injured. The incident occurred on Thanksgiving when the girl, along with another child, mistook a coyote crouching behind a tree for a dog. The coyote then lunged at the girl, biting her in the back of the head and resulting in injuries that required an overnight hospital stay.
Tim Kroening, CPW’s area wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak region, emphasized the potential severity of the situation, stating that it could have been a tragic outcome if not for the quick response of the child’s father in stopping the attack, rescuing his daughter, and scaring off the coyote.
The attack took place in a neighborhood near the Air Force Academy, situated east of Monument Creek and Interstate 25. Given the challenge of identifying the specific coyote responsible for the attack, CPW has announced plans to eliminate any coyotes found in the vicinity of the incident. The agency intends to test the animals’ bodies for human DNA and diseases like rabies.
While coyotes are typically wary of humans, they may resort to aggression if they are sick, fed by humans, or protecting their offspring, as per state officials. Residents are advised to deter coyotes from settled areas by shouting or throwing objects at them.
Kroening highlighted the need for vigilance and proactive measures in deterring wild animals from approaching homes and neighborhoods. The incident serves as a reminder for everyone to remain alert and take steps to scare off wildlife when necessary.
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