Coyote bites and drags 4-year-old in NW Calgary: police

A four-year-old girl was bit and dragged by a coyote in the city’s northwest Saturday morning, Calgary police say.

Officers tell CityNews say the incident happened in the back alley of the 100 block of Macewan Ridge Circle NW at around 11:15 a.m.

The coyote snatched the girl in its mouth and dragged her for a distance before her father intervened, police say, eventually cornering the animal.

After arriving and then waiting for Fish and Wildlife to deal with the animal, CPS says the coyote was acting aggressively, prompting officers to shoot and kill it.

The girl was taken to the Alberta Children’s Hospital with puncture wounds on her arm.

While the City of Calgary says coyotes are a “vital part” of the city’s wildlife, resident safety is its “number one priority” and utilizes a Coyote Conflict Response Guide based on research and best practices.

To prevent coyotes from appearing on private property, the city says to close or block areas under porches, decks or steps and to clean up trash by the bin.

Rangers with the city will resort to “hazing” techniques meant to teach coyotes to associate humans with loud noises and other “unpleasant experiences.” Hazing is not lethal, and no harm is meant to the animal.

A good population of coyotes is important for the city’s biodiversity as they help control other wildlife populations from becoming problematic, according to research from the city.

To report a coyote sighting, the city says to call 911 if there is an immediate danger and to use 311 in a non-emergency.

Twenty-one reports of coyote sightings has been made to 311 since Sept. 13.

More information on the city’s response to coyotes can be found online.