Coyote Ambush At Garden Of The Gods Leaves Small Dog Hurt And Hikers Shaken

A routine outing at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs turned tense last Friday when a coyote attacked a small dog on the trail, leaving nearby hikers rattled. The owner rushed the injured pet to a local veterinarian, and the dog is now recovering after treatment. Park staff have since put up warning signs in the area and are urging visitors to stay alert while using the trails.

According to the Denver Gazette, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reported that the incident happened on May 15 and confirmed that the small dog survived its vet visit. CPW spokesperson Dean Miller told the outlet that spring is a period when coyotes are especially protective of dens and pups, which can raise the risk of conflicts with pets. The agency said warning signs have been posted at trailheads in response.

State wildlife guidance

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, coyote pups are usually born from April through mid-May, and adults can aggressively guard their dens during that stretch. The agency advises that if a coyote behaves aggressively, people should make themselves look big and loud: shout, wave their arms, and throw objects instead of turning and running. CPW also urges the public to report dangerous animals directly to the agency.

Park rules and local reports

Garden of the Gods rules require pets to stay on a leash no longer than six feet, and owners must clean up after them. Hikers and visitors posting on Reddit reported that a coyote den may be located west of Rock Ledge Ranch along the Chambers Trail and said signs in that area urge people to steer clear until pups disperse. Several commenters also described coyotes trailing them closely on that stretch, which lines up with the warnings now in place.

Broader context

Coyote encounters with pets have flared up across the Front Range this year. In January, the Denver Gazette reported that two dogs in the Denver metro area suffered life-threatening injuries in separate coyote attacks. Wildlife managers emphasize that attacks on people remain rare, and that closely supervising pets and removing food attractants are still the most effective ways to cut down on risk.

Officials advise anyone who encounters an aggressive coyote to give the animal space, try to haze it if it is safe to do so, and contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife so officers can evaluate the situation. The recent run-in at Garden of the Gods is a pointed reminder that even heavily visited city parks double as wildlife habitat, and that a few extra precautions can help keep both pets and people out of harm’s way.