Police say officers shot and killed a coyote after it bit a girl in north Calgary on Saturday.
EMS tells Global News its crews responded to the 100 block of Macewan Ridge Circle Northwest at about 11:15 a.m.
“One child in non-life-threatening condition was transported to the Alberta Children’s Hospital,” EMS said in a statement.
Briar Gusa was playing with the victim and her older sister when the coyote attack happened.
“It just jumped onto (her) and attacked her and was trying to drag her,” Gusa said.
“I have never seen a coyote before. This was my first time. We were all screaming.”
Neighbours told Global News the girl’s father was quick to jump into action. They said the man kicked the coyote in the chest to get it off his daughter.
Calgary police said the coyote bit the little girl, leaving her with puncture wounds to her arm. The age of the girl is not known.
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Calgary police said officers cornered the animal in a yard and it was acting aggressively. Officers shot and killed the animal, according to police.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife said the coyote was sent to be tested for rabies.
William Lopez lives in the area and said it’s fairly common to see coyotes.
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“Most of them, they reside here at the Nose Hill Park and from there, they come around this area,” he said, adding he once had one sitting on his lawn.
“I thought it was just a regular dog but it was actually a coyote,” he said. “I opened the door and I had to scare him away.
“We just have to be careful with our pets and with our children as well.”
People who encounter a coyote should make the experience unpleasant for the animal and respond to their presence aggressively by making themselves appear larger, according to Fish and Wildlife.
This could include waving arms, throwing rocks, sticks or other objects at the coyote or shouting at the animal in a deep voice. Alberta Fish and Wildlife said if a coyote approaches, back away slowly and do not turn and run away.
People who encounter aggressive coyotes should call the Report-A-Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 to report the incident.
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