A camper cycling through Cape Breton Highlands National Park recently shared his encounter with an aggressive coyote that bit him for about 15 seconds. Despite this incident, Alex Radu, from Ontario, emphasized that the majority of his time on the Cabot Trail was peaceful. Radu recounted being at the MacIntosh Brook campsite admiring the moonlight when the coyote suddenly appeared and approached him.
Radu described his response to the coyote’s aggression, stating that he attempted to intimidate the animal by making himself appear larger, stomping, and yelling. However, as the coyote persisted in getting closer and snapping at him, Radu made the decision to flee towards a nearby building for safety. Although he had no food on him, Radu managed to escape into the building, and the coyote eventually left him alone.
Later, Radu discovered that his pant leg was torn, and he had bite marks on his leg. He mentioned that the wounds, while minor, required treatment due to bleeding. The darkness of the night made it challenging for Radu to realize he had been bitten during the encounter.
The following day, Radu informed park staff of the incident and sought medical assistance at a nearby health center, receiving the initial dose of a rabies vaccine as a precautionary measure. Parks Canada confirmed that a coyote was euthanized in the MacIntosh Brook area following the incident, although it remains uncertain if it was the same coyote that attacked Radu.
Allison Moody, an ecologist with Parks Canada, advised visitors on how to react to encounters with aggressive coyotes, suggesting backing away slowly while facing the animal and seeking shelter or a vehicle for safety. Moody also recommended using bear spray and walking sticks to deter coyotes, emphasizing the importance of reporting such incidents to park staff.
Despite the unsettling experience, Radu reflected on the positive aspects of his trip to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, highlighting other enjoyable moments he had during his week-long stay. Moody assured visitors that park staff are diligently monitoring the situation to ensure visitors’ safety from potential coyote encounters.
In conclusion, Radu’s encounter with the coyote served as a reminder of the importance of caution and preparedness when exploring natural environments, while also highlighting the beauty and tranquility of the park amid the changing season.