Tests confirm coyote attacked hiker
Preliminary tests show that a coyote destroyed in Cape Breton was one of the animals that attacked and killed a hiker last week.
Taylor Mitchell, 19, died after she was attacked Tuesday by two coyotes while on the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Parks Canada staff tracked down and destroyed a coyote that night. The animal was sent for testing to the Atlantic Veterinary Centre, which confirmed the coyote was involved in the attack.
Parks Canada is awaiting further test results.
It's still a mystery as to what might have caused the normally shy animal to maul a hiker.
Chip Bird, field unit superintendent with Parks Canada in Cape Breton, said the necropsy showed that the coyote was in good condition and there were no obvious signs of disease or rabies.
- Wave your arms, stomp, yell
- Stand your ground and don't run away
- Be prepared; carry a whistle, flashlight, personal alarm
- Hike with a partner
"There's no confirmed theory of what might have happened," Bird told CBC News on Monday.
Another coyote, which was shot by an RCMP officer shortly after the attack, has not been found.
A warden and four resource management specialists continue to investigate. Bird said staff are checking more trails and are interviewing people who were in the area during the attack.
The Skyline Trail remains closed and wildlife safety advisories have been posted around the park.
An attack like the one that killed Mitchell is rare, but hikers should take precautions, Bird said.
"Wild animals are unpredictable and [people] should always be aware of where they are."