Colorado wildlife officials hunt coyote that attacked and injured four-year-old girl

Colorado Wildlife services hunt a coyote who attacked and injured a four-year-old girl on Thanksgiving Day.

The attack The incident occurred Thursday afternoon in the northern Monument Creek neighborhood, near the Air Force Academy Colorado SpringsColorado Parks and Wildlife reported on Saturday.

Witnesses say the girl and another child mistook the coyote for a dog and surprised it when they spotted it behind a tree.

Then the wild animal attacked the girl and grabbed her by the back of the head.

The girl’s uncle managed to fend off the animal, and the four-year-old was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, authorities said.

CPW said it was informed of the attack on Friday, when the child was released from the hospital, and has now launched a search to find the coyote.

Tim Kroening, CPW’s wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak region, said: “This could have been much worse – a tragedy – if not for the quick actions of the child’s uncle to stop the attack, save his daughter and scare away the coyote.

“We don’t know yet what brought the coyote and the baby into the yard. However, this is an important reminder for everyone to remain vigilant and keep wild animals away from their homes and neighborhoods. This includes deer, foxes, bobcats, bears and other animals.

“Don’t let them get comfortable around people. If you see them, throw stones at them and shout at them. And if you notice aggressive behavior, call us immediately. We will try to remove any aggressive animals,” Kroening added.