Nolan Hill coyote believed to be behind attacks put down

CALGARY – An aggressive coyote believed to be responsible for attacks on people in the city’s northwest has been put down.

The city says it captured a coyote and euthanized it.

At least three attacks, which all happened in Nolan Hill, have been reported over the last few weeks or so.

READ MORE: Calgary mother attacked by coyote warns neighbours to be on alert

It’s believed there’s some additional den activity in the area and that litter and dog poop has drawn the canines into the neighbourhood.

“We bring our puppies and dogs for walks–some people don’t pick up the feces of the dog that’s what is attracting a lot of the coyotes,” Ward 2 Councillor Joe Magliocca told CityNews earlier this week.

“And especially leaving food in your backyard and other stuff in the backyard that they are attracted to. But, you know, we live with them and I understand people’s frustration but we are doing our best right now to get rid of them.”

READ MORE: Food, dog feces drawing coyotes into communities

Animal experts say coyotes are wild and should be treated with caution.

“They are year-round hunters. They don’t hibernate. They are looking for food as they are probably hungry, which is why they are expanding their range,” said veterinarian Dr. Matthew Richardson in a previous interview.

“We should avoid confrontation. There are a lot of reports of them circling and singling out pet animals and making a meal out of that.”

-with files from Chris Bowen, Henna Saeed