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Coyote Attacks Cyclist In Cape Breton Highlands National Park

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By NPT Staff - September 9th, 2023
Parks Canada is hunting for an aggressive coyote that attacked a cyclist in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Parks Canada is hunting for an aggressive coyote that attacked a cyclist in Cape Breton Highlands National Park/Parks Canada

Parts of Cape Breton Highlands National Park have been closed while staff hunt for an aggressive coyote that bit a cyclist on the Cabot Trail.

Parks Canada said in a Facebook post that the attack happened Sept. 6 near the Green Cove rest stop. The coyote crossed the highway and pursued the cyclist as it passed by, then bit the person’s left forearm when they dismounted and tried to fend off the animal. The animal also showed aggressive behavior toward one of the passing motorists who stopped to assist and scare it away.

The cyclist visited a nearby hospital and was released. The aggressive coyote eventually fled and will be euthanized when it’s found.

The following areas of the park are closed until Sept. 11 or until further notice:

• Black Brook beach and day use area (north).

• Black Brook decommissioned campground.

• Mary Ann Falls Road.

• Jigging Cove, Jack Pine and Coastal (south) trails.

The Nova Scotia park has had previous coyote incidents. In 2009, Toronto singer-songwriter Taylor Mitchell was killed by a coyote while hiking the park’s popular Skyline Trail. Her death was only the second fatal coyote attack recorded in North America. In 2010, a teenager was bitten by a coyote while camping at the public Broad Cove campground.

Parks Canada reminds people never to feed coyotes or entice them to come closer. It offers these safety tips for anyone who encounters a coyote:

• Don’t run or crouch down as you will appear smaller to the coyote.

• Make and maintain eye contact with the coyote.

• Back away slowly.

• Act big. Make noise, wave your arms and try to scare it away. Blow your vehicle’s horn if you are in it.

• Fight back. Make noise, wave your arms, and try to scare it away.

It reminds people to hike or cycle in a group and help ensure the coyotes maintain their natural fear of humans and will help avoid future conflict. Report all coyote incidents promptly to Parks Canada at 1-877-852-3100.

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