Governing Agencies, Wildlife Partners and Community Members:
Coyote Watch Canada is deeply concerned by reports from early January 2026 that four coyotes were deliberately pursued and struck by snowmobiles east of Lanigan, Saskatchewan. Conservation officers have confirmed that the animals were intentionally targeted, with two found alive but suffering severe injuries and subsequently humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering. Chasing down and hitting a terrorized coyote family with snowmobiles are acts of disturbing and heinous brutality. This tragic incident has sparked widespread shock and outrage at the local, national, and international levels.
This case represents a serious violation of legislation and ethical standards governing the treatment of wildlife in Canada. The deliberate use of motorized vehicles to harm animals is not compatible with lawful wildlife management, conservation principles, or responsible land use. Such actions undermine public trust in wildlife governance frameworks and place additional burden on enforcement and conservation agencies.
Coyotes belong to the Canidae family, the same biological family as our companion dogs. They are ecologically vital and socially complex animals that form lifelong pair bonds and maintain strong, sentient relationships within their family units. Acts of intentional cruelty and inflicted suffering do nothing to address legitimate wildlife management goals or human–wildlife conflict. Instead, such actions undermine science-based, humane approaches to coexistence that jurisdictions across Canada are striving to advance.
Coyote Watch Canada supports the Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers in its investigation and encourages accountability through appropriate legal processes. Strong enforcement responses, coupled with clear public messaging and advancement in legislation, are essential to reinforcing that wildlife cruelty is unacceptable and unlawful.
We further encourage continued collaboration among provincial agencies, conservation officers, Indigenous partners, municipalities, and wildlife organizations to promote ethical standards, public education, and coexistence-based management strategies. Preventing violence toward wildlife requires not only enforcement, but a shared commitment to stewardship, respect, and informed decision-making. Wildlife policies that reflect ethical, progressive, and science-based governance foster clarity and best practice standards and clearly discourages the wanton persecution of species such as coyotes.
Coyote Watch Canada remains fully committed to working alongside partner agencies, offering education, outreach, and subject-matter expertise to collaboratively advance humane, science-based wildlife management across Canada.
Coyote Watch Canada urges anyone with information that could assist in laying charges to come forward. Individuals with relevant details are asked to contact Saskatchewan’s Turn-In-Poachers-and-Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and calls are neither recorded nor traced. A cash reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
We are confident that concerned citizens who value accountability and wildlife protection will do the right thing by reporting the identities of the perpetrators. Justice for this coyote family must be the ultimate outcome.
- Coyote Watch Canada -
Photo of a coyote running in the snow not related to this case under investigation.
Author's Note: This article was updated to include additional information provided after publication.
