A camper biking through Cape Breton Highlands National Park encountered an aggressive coyote last week, resulting in a brief physical altercation. Despite the incident, the camper described the overall experience on the Cabot Trail as peaceful.
Alex Radu, from Ontario, shared that the coyote approached him suddenly while he was admiring the moon at the MacIntosh Brook campsite. He recounted trying to intimidate the coyote by making loud noises and gestures to deter it. Eventually, as the coyote persisted in its approach, Radu made a quick decision to run for safety, realizing his pant leg was torn and discovering bite marks on his leg shortly after.
Although Radu acknowledged feeling fear during the encounter, he emphasized that the incident did not overshadow the positive aspects of his trip. He promptly reported the incident to park authorities, received medical attention for his wounds, and began a rabies vaccination as a precautionary measure.
Parks Canada responded to the incident by euthanizing a coyote in the MacIntosh Brook area due to its repeated bold behavior towards humans, potentially indicating food conditioning. The camper expressed mixed emotions about the coyote’s fate, understanding the necessity of the action while still feeling compassion for the animal.
Allison Moody, an ecologist with Parks Canada, advised visitors on dealing with aggressive coyotes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure, backing away slowly, and seeking shelter if necessary. She also recommended carrying bear spray and walking sticks for added protection.
Despite the encounter, Radu highlighted the positive aspects of his trip, including serene moments in nature. Parks Canada continues to monitor the situation, ensuring visitor safety in the area.