Parts of Cape Breton National Park closed after aggressive coyote attacks cyclist

Parks Canada has closed sections of Cape Breton National Park in Nova Scotia as it continues to hunt for the aggressive coyote that attacked a cyclist on Wednesday.

"We are actively patrolling the area. This animal will be euthanized when we find it," Erich Muntz, a resource conservation manager for Parks Canada, told CBC News.

The cyclist was pursued by the coyote while riding along the Cabot Trail, according to a news release.

The cyclist was bitten on the arm after getting off the bike and trying to fend off the animal. The person was taken to hospital for treatment and later released.

Passing motorists stopped to help and tried to scare the coyote away, but it displayed aggressive behaviour before eventually left the area, Parks Canada said.

Signs have been put up in the area warning visitors to be aware and Muntz said a team of 12 to 13 people are coordinating efforts to track it down.

Past coyote attacks

People in the area are being advised to be cautious around wildlife and to avoid walking or cycling in the area.

The incident happened near the Green Cove rest stop, which is a popular rocky outcrop on the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Coyote attacks are not uncommon in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

In 2009, Toronto folk singer Taylor Mitchell was killed in an incident on the Skyline Trail, just off the Cabot Trail about 75 kilometres away from Green Cove.

The following year, a teenager was bitten by a coyote while camping at the public Broad Cove campground, which is about six kilometres from Green Cove.

A coyote was spotted again later Friday afternoon by a couple driving near McKenzie Mountain. Parks Canada staff believe it to be the same one involved in the Wednesday attack.

Professional photographer Michel Soucy was driving with his wife, Lucille, when they noticed two motorcyclists and what they thought was a dog. Then, they realized it was a coyote. 

"I started honking the horn to scare the animal, so the coyote gave up the chase, ran off into the trees," said Soucy. 

He managed to capture a few photos of the animal with a powerful telephoto lenses.

"It's the first time I've seen a coyote act aggressively," said Soucy. "I've photographed them for a few years now, and never felt threatened. So I found it surprising."

Park staff were made aware of the incident and located the animal nearby. They tried to shoot it, but were unsuccessful.  

"It was a very fleeting opportunity, but they chose to try the shot," said Muntz.

Closures at the park

Muntz said the organization's patrol officers are continuing to search for the coyote.

On Friday night, the park announced certain parts of the park would be closed until Sept. 11 or longer if necessary:

• Black Brook beach and day use area (north).
• Black Brook decommissioned campground.
• Mary Ann Falls Road.
• Jigging Cove, Jack Pine and Coastal (south) trails.

"These temporary closures are necessary to address safety concerns related to an aggressive coyote in the area," a post from the park on Facebook read. 

"Entry or travel in these areas is prohibited until the closure is lifted."

Earlier at the park on Friday, tourists said they would be watching for the animal.

Tourists keep an eye out

Brett McKay travelled to the park area from Cleveland. He said the coyote attack hasn't changed his mind about visiting the Cabot Trail, but he said he is keeping an eye out.

"I think that's the big thing is just having awareness around you, what's happening," McKay said.

Jacquelyn Black is visiting from Coquitlam, B.C. She said news of an aggressive coyote encounter was shocking to hear.

"I don't know what would have caused this coyote to, you know, bite a human like that. Especially if they weren't ... doing anything to it," Black said.

Parks Canada is asking visitors to report coyote sightings in the park at 1-877-852-3100.

The agency is also offering safety tips for anyone who encounters a coyote:

• Do not feed it or entice it to come closer.
• Give it space. 
• Do not run away.
• Make and maintain eye contact with the coyote.
• Wave your arms and shout so you appear larger to the coyote (or blow your vehicle's horn if you are in it).
• Do not crouch down as you will appear smaller to the coyote.
• If it approaches you, yell and make yourself look big, or throw rocks or hard objects at it.