Coyote killed in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, but closures still in place
Parks Canada officials have killed a coyote in Cape Breton Highlands National Park following an aggressive encounter that left a camper with bite wounds. While the park remains partially closed, officials are working to manage food attractants and improve visitor safety signage.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of managing human-wildlife conflict in protected areas where animals have become food-conditioned.
In an email to CBC Sunday night, Parks Canada said officials killed a coyote Saturday after it “repeatedly approached patrolling staff, indicating a loss of natural fear toward humans and behaviour consistent with food conditioning.” But it said staff can't be certain whether it's the same coyote that was behind the initial encounter.
The organization also included more details about the circumstances surrounding Thursday's incident. They said an individual was camping at MacIntosh Brook when they crossed paths with an aggressive coyote.
“While retreating to the cook shelter, the visitor fell and sustained bite wounds to their leg from the coyote. The visitor sustained minor injuries and has since received medical attention,” Parks Canada said.
Sections of Cape Breton Highlands National Park closed after coyote bite
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in