Coyote attacks cyclist in Cape Breton, Parks Canada on hunt for animal

The search continues throughout the Cape Breton Highlands National Park on Friday after an aggressive coyote attacked a cyclist earlier this week, according to Parks Canada.

In a media release, Parks Canada said a cyclist sustained a bite on their left forearm on Wednesday after attempting to fend off a coyote near the Green Cove area of the Cabot Trail.

“It is reported that the coyote crossed the highway and pursued the cyclist as they passed by,” the release said, adding the animal had demonstrated aggressive behaviour toward a passing driver who stopped to assist and scare the canine away.

The coyote eventually fled the area and is yet to be recovered.

“Parks Canada team members are patrolling the area but have been unable to remove the coyote as of Friday morning,” the release continued.

“Following Parks Canada’s procedures for aggressive coyotes, patrols of the area are ongoing, with the intention to remove the animal.”

The injured cyclist visited a nearby hospital and was released shortly after.

Erich Muntz, a resource conservation manager with the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, said the animal will be euthanized when caught.

“We have a mandate to protect wildlife but at the same time the safety of the visitors is paramount,” he said, adding that crews were within close proximity to the coyote on Friday afternoon but missed their shot.

“It popped out of the side of the road, it offered a very short window … we tried to take a shot, but we missed the animal, unfortunately.”

The Parks Canada official described the coyote as “fearless” — adding that his team has previously received reports of an animal displaying a similar behaviour along a short stretch of highway near Green Cove, which is north of the town of Ingonish.

“We’ve had over ten reports of an unafraid coyote in this area and approaching people but nowhere near the severity of the incident that happened on the sixth. This is definitely a ramped-up degree of aggression which is why we’re taking the actions that we are now,” Muntz said.

People visiting the Cape Breton Highlands National Park are being advised by Parks Canada to avoid walking or cycling in the area of the attack.

This isn’t the first time a coyote attack occurred in the Cape Breton region, as 19-year-old Taylor Mitchell, a singer-songwriter from Toronto who was in the area for a concert, was killed while hiking along the Skyline Trail on Oct. 27, 2009.

Her death was only the second fatal coyote attack recorded in North America.