The Manitoba Conservation Officer Service is providing an update on its investigation into two coyote attacks on children in the North Kildonan area of Winnipeg in June.
Recently completed analysis confirms the DNA profile obtained from the shirt of one of the victims matches the profile of a coyote euthanized by conservation officers on July 3, 2023. In addition, measurements taken by the veterinary services branch of Manitoba Agriculture during a necropsy revealed measurements of the coyote’s upper canine spacing are consistent with measurements taken from the wounds of the first victim.
The number of human-coyote conflicts in this area dropped substantially after the removal of several coyotes, but the number of coyotes in the immediate area is expected to rebound over time. Habituation due to direct or indirect feeding of coyotes is believed to have played a role in the animal’s behaviour.
The public is reminded to never feed wildlife. Making food available, either directly or indirectly through feeding prey such as birds and rabbits, may attract coyotes and other predators to an area. Coyotes that have been fed by people will become comfortable approaching people and could become increasingly aggressive.
The public can report human-wildlife conflicts to the Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076.
