Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development advises there has been a second attack on a human by a coyote in the Winnipeg area, and while conservation officers have stepped up patrols and hired a trapper from the Manitoba Trappers Association to assist, the public is advised to take extra precautions, especially with young children.
Unprovoked attacks by coyotes on humans are extremely rare, but can occur. The latest incident occurred on the evening of June 30 and involved a four-year-old child in the Headmaster Row area of North Kildonan. The child has been treated and released from hospital.
The incident follows a coyote attack involving a nine-year-old child on June 24, also in the North Kildonan area.
While these attacks are rare, it important that people be vigilant, supervise children closely, feed pets indoors, keep animals on a leash and reduce attractants. If a coyote is seen, people are encouraged to make noise, do what they can to appear large, stay in a group, and not run as that might incite a chase.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076.
