Coyote Attack on Child Sparks Wildlife Response in Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is on alert following a coyote attack on a 4-year-old girl in northern Colorado Springs on Thanksgiving Day. The attack occurred in the late afternoon in a residential area near Monument Creek and Interstate 25, close to the Air Force Academy.
According to witnesses, the child approached a coyote, mistaking it for a dog. The coyote lunged at her, causing serious injuries by grabbing the back of her head. Fortunately, the girl’s father intervened swiftly, preventing a potential tragedy. The girl was treated at a hospital and released the following day.
Tim Kroening, CPW’s Area Wildlife Manager for Pikes Peak, acknowledged the father’s heroic actions that mitigated the severity of the incident. Following the attack, CPW initiated efforts to track down the coyote involved. Due to the difficulty in pinpointing the exact animal, the agency plans to lethally remove any coyotes found in the area. These animals will undergo testing for human DNA and diseases such as rabies.
Kroening emphasized the need for vigilance in neighborhoods regarding wildlife interactions, stating that various animals, including deer and bears, can pose risks. CPW urges community members to remain cautious about their children and pets, highlighting that wild animals should not become comfortable in populated areas.
For safety tips and recommendations, Colorado residents are encouraged to visit the CPW website. The agency continues to stress the importance of maintaining awareness as wildlife encounters become increasingly common.
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