COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – A weeks-long search for a coyote responsible for attacking a 4-year-old girl on Thanksgiving in northern Colorado Springs ended with its capture after DNA evidence confirmed its identity, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The coyote, which tested negative for rabies, had human DNA embedded deep between its toes and human food in its stomach.
“This neighborhood is safe because we caught and removed the coyote that attacked the child,” said Tim Kroening, CPW’s wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak area. “The bad news is that a 4-year-old child suffered serious injuries and her family was traumatized because someone was feeding wildlife.”
The attack occurred while a group of children played under adult supervision. Two children spotted what they thought was a dog crouching behind a tree. As they approached, the coyote lunged at the girl, biting her head. An adult rushed to intervene, ending the attack. The child required multiple surgeries and an overnight hospital stay.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Wildlife Feeding Investigation Continues
While the immediate danger has passed, CPW’s investigation into illegal wildlife feeding in the area continues. The bold behavior exhibited by the coyote and two others observed in the neighborhood suggests someone was feeding the animals, a practice that erodes their natural fear of humans and increases the risk of attacks.
“Coyotes typically fear people, but if they associate humans with food, they become bold and dangerous,” Kroening explained. “This is exactly why we constantly preach the dangers of feeding wildlife.”
CPW captured and tested two coyotes from the area. DNA testing confirmed the attacker’s identity, while results for the second animal are pending.
Living with Urban Coyotes
Coyotes are highly adaptable and thrive in both rural and urban environments. Their diet includes rodents, birds, berries, and discarded human food. Urban coyotes can become territorial and aggressive, especially if food sources are available.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
CPW recommends hazing tactics such as making loud noises, waving arms, and throwing small objects to deter coyotes. Residents are urged to keep pets indoors, secure trash, and avoid leaving pet food outside.
Anyone with information about illegal wildlife feeding in the area is encouraged to contact CPW or report anonymously through Operation Game Thief by calling 1-877-265-6648 or emailing game.thief@state.co.us.
“We wish the child a speedy recovery,” Kroening said. “And we hope this serves as a reminder that feeding wildlife can have devastating consequences.”
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
