Terrifying Coyote Attack in Calgary: Girl Injured and Animal Shot by Police

In a shocking incident on Saturday morning, a coyote attacked a young girl in north Calgary, prompting a swift response from police officers who ultimately shot and killed the animal. The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. in the 100 block of Macewan Ridge Circle Northwest, where emergency services found the child in need of medical attention.

According to EMS, the girl suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the Alberta Children’s Hospital for treatment. Eyewitness Briar Gusa, who was playing with the victim and her older sister at the time, described the terrifying moment, saying, “It just jumped onto her and attacked her, trying to drag her away. I’ve never seen a coyote before; it was my first time. We were all screaming.”

Lucky for the girl, her father reacted quickly and courageously—kicking the coyote in the chest to free his daughter from its grip. Police later confirmed that the coyote had inflicted puncture wounds on the girl’s arm, although her current condition has not been disclosed.

The Calgary police indicated that once they arrived on-site, they found the animal cornered and behaving aggressively. Fearing for the safety of the community, officers made the difficult decision to euthanize the coyote on the scene.

Residents in the area have noted that coyote sightings are not unusual. William Lopez, a local resident, remarked, “Most of them reside at Nose Hill Park and come around the neighborhood. I thought one was just a regular dog once, but it was actually a coyote.” He stressed the importance of vigilance, particularly regarding children and pets in the area.

This incident serves as a chilling reminder to communities near wildlife habitats to remain alert and take appropriate precautions. As urban expansion continues to encroach on natural habitats, encounters like this could become more common. Local authorities encourage residents to keep a safe distance from wildlife and report any aggressive animal behavior to ensure community safety and wellbeing.