Pack of coyotes puts Winnipeg schools in a hold and secure

Three Winnipeg schools were placed in a “hold and secure” Monday morning after multiple coyotes were seen nearby.

The River East Transcona School Division says the doors to Kildonan-East Collegiate, Valley Gardens Middle School, and Bertrun E. Glavin Elementary were locked, but students were able to continue classes at all three schools.

Nearby Neil Campbell School students were kept inside as a precaution.

The division didn’t know how many coyotes were near the schools but says they were spotted around 11 a.m.

The “hold and secures” were lifted at all three schools by 12:15 p.m., according to the division.

Winnipeg police officers, armed with shotguns, were called to the area and are currently still looking for roaming coyotes.

Shayna Reimer was driving with her mom when she saw the coyote in the field.

She heard the sound of a gun shot.

1:33 Pack of coyotes puts Winnipeg schools in a hold and secure

“My mom saw two people and she thought it might have been the owner of the dog but we realized they had a gun,” she said.

Winnipeg police spokesperson Const. Jay Murray says it’s not uncommon to see coyotes in the city.

The province says “If you encounter wild animals, always treat them with caution and respect. Learn to recognize the signs of wildlife presence and/or damage, and understand what actions you can take to reduce risks for people, property and wildlife.”

Manitoba Conservation says they receive 70 calls for reports of coyotes in Winnipeg each year.

So far no one has been injured but there have been reports of fatal pet attacks in Winnipeg.

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