Closures remain in place in Cape Breton Highlands National Park as Parks Canada hunts for an aggressive coyote/Jennifer Bain
Two coyotes have been euthanized in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia after two separate incidents.
On Sept. 6, a cyclist in the Green Cove area was bitten by a coyote that crossed the highway and gave chase. After dismounting, the cyclist tried to fend off the coyote and put the bicycle between themself and the animal. The cyclist was bitten on the left forearm. Passing drivers stopped to assist and attempted to scare the coyote away. The coyote "demonstrated aggressive behavior” toward another individual who stopped to assist, but eventually left the area. The injured person was checked out in hospital and released.
On Sept. 8, a coyote was observed chasing cyclists, motorcycles and cars on MacKenzie Mountain around 1:30 p.m. Within an hour, that coyote was shot and killed by Parks Canada.
On Sept. 11, Parks Canada was notified that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had located, shot and killed a coyote in the Green Cove area. Although this may have been the same coyote involved in the Sept. 6 incident, Parks Canada is continuing its search for coyotes in the area out of an abundance of caution.
The following closures will remain in effect until Sept. 15: Black Brook decommissioned campground, Mary Ann Falls Road, and Green Cove and Broad Cove Mountain trails.
Pedestrian traffic is also prohibited on the Cabot Trail between the areas of Black Brook and the road to Warren Lake. Jigging Cove, Jack Pine and the Coastal trails have all reopened, as well as the Black Brook Day Use Area. Check the park’s Facebook page for information on closures. Public education about coyotes will continue, as well as methods to help keep wildlife wild and try to prevent these sorts of incidents.
Any coyote sightings should be reported to Parks Canada, whether the animals are acting aggressively or not. People are asked to speak directly with a staff member or call 1-877-852-3100.
