Second coyote trapped, killed after attacks on children By: Malak Abas and Tyler Searle Posted: 2:39 PM CDT Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023 Last Modified: 5:02 PM CDT Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023 Updates

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Manitoba Conservation has captured and euthanized a second coyote, after two children were attacked in Winnipeg in a matter of days last week.

The first coyote was shot and killed Monday; the second Wednesday morning.

The animals were “habituated,” meaning they had become accustomed to living in urban areas and being near humans, officials said. Habituated coyotes are impacted by human conditioning and are fed, either intentionally or unintentionally, by humans.

It’s still not proven the two trapped coyotes were directly involved in the attacks — the first on humans in documented Manitoba history — and the province won’t know until the carcasses are DNA tested, conservation Staff Sergeant Graeme Smith said Wednesday.

Those tests will be compared with swabs taken from wounds from the first attack and clothing in the second.

“We’re confident that we’re intervening and euthanizing only habituated animals, so we are confident that we’re going to resolve this situation,” Smith said Wednesday at a media event at a Knowles Avenue church, near where the attacks occurred.

On June 24, a nine-year-old boy was attacked near Popko Crescent and Knowles.

On June 30, a four-year-old girl was hospitalized after a coyote attack in the Headmaster Row area.

Both children have since been released from hospital.

Smith said it was difficult for conservation officers to capture the responsible coyote after the first attack, due to the species’ large territorial range.

Randy Urbanski, who lives in a seniors apartment complex on Gateway Road, said he was relieved to hear two coyotes had been killed by authorities.

“They are not afraid of anybody anymore,” he said, speaking outside the building. “My view is that they should be dealt with… People are getting frightened.”

Urbanski said his wife was walking home one week before the first attack with a package of meat from a nearby butcher, when she was stalked by a coyote.

Seniors living in the complex have been increasingly vigilant in recent weeks; many have grandchildren who visit, he added.

Researchers from the University of Manitoba will test the coyotes for evidence of diseases, and plan to analyze stomach contents to determine how they became habituated.

It could take several weeks before results are available, Smith said.

“Stomach contents is very important in this situation, because what we’re dealing with here is habituated coyotes… It’s very important that neighbourhood residents look after their garbage and their pet food, and ensure animals such as coyotes are not getting access to that.”

There are more coyotes in the area, including an active den, he added.

“They are not afraid of anybody anymore… People are getting frightened.”–Randy Urbanski

Conservation officers used witness statements as part of the preliminary investigation into the two attacks and will continue to investigate. If evidence is found someone has been intentionally feeding the animals, they could face fines, Smith said.

“We are increasing patrols in this area, neighbourhood residents are going to see us in this area for this time to come.”

Manitoba Conservation consulted with biologists and conservation officials in other provincial jurisdictions when deciding how to address its response to the attacks, he said.

The City of Winnipeg has received 122 coyote reports since April 1 in the area around where the two attacks happened.

“I hear them every night,” said Will Penner, who was using an active transit path near Knowles Avenue on Wednesday afternoon.

Penner said the area is home to an abundance of stray cats and rabbits who fall prey to coyotes. “You hear the screeching of the bunnies because they are just getting mauled. It’s awful.”

Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) had previously suggested the province should conduct a cull of coyotes to address rising concerns.

Smith declined comment on the idea Wednesday, saying conservation officers are solely focused on dealing with habituated coyotes in the immediate area.

Humane “soft-catch” traps were used, allowing conservation officers to release other species caught in them, officials said. Traps are still in place and will be checked several times a day.

If DNA evidence proves the euthanized coyotes were involved in the attacks, and no other habituated coyotes are found in the area, conservation officials will end its trap/kill efforts.

Smith encouraged area residents to remain vigilant and carry a noise maker or stick when walking outdoors.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca