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The girl and another child approached the coyote in northern
Colorado Springs, about an hour's drive south of Denver, when
the animal lunged, grabbing the back of her head and causing
serious injuries that led to a night in the hospital, CPW said
in a press release Saturday.
The girl's father jumped in to stop the attack and scare off the
coyote, said Tim Kroening, a CPW wildlife manager, in a
statement. “This could have been much worse,” Kroening said.
Officials were alerted Friday, after the girl was released from
the hospital, and began organizing their search. CPW said it
plans to kill any coyote they find in the vicinity of the attack
because it's impossible to identify the exact animal. The
carcasses will then be examined for human DNA and diseases such
as rabies.
Coyotes have adapted to urban areas, finding shelter and easy
meals, but are naturally afraid of humans. The predators, which
typically eat small animals, berries and scraps, become
aggressive if they are protecting their young, if they are sick
or are being fed.
“People nearby might be leaving pet food outdoors or actively
feeding by throwing them scraps of food. That’s illegal and it’s
a problem in urban areas," said Kroening, adding that it's an
important reminder for people to be alert and frighten wild
animals away by throwing rocks or yelling.
“Don’t let them get comfortable around people," said Kroening.
Officials said the search could go on for several days.
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