Parks Canada kills third coyote in Cape Breton, ends search for more aggressive animals - Action News
Home WebMail Monday, November 25, 2024, 10:04 PM | Calgary | -14.7°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Nova Scotia

Parks Canada kills third coyote in Cape Breton, ends search for more aggressive animals

Parks Canada has reopened popular tourist spots in Cape Breton Highlands National Park after killing three coyotes suspected in attacks on the Cabot Trail that resulted in a cyclist being bitten.

Popular hiking trails, lookoffs and campgrounds reopened to visitors after attacks on Cabot Trail highway

A coyote stands in front of a guard rail.
A coyote was seen chasing after motorcycles along the Cabot Trail on MacKenzie Mountain, near Pleasant Bay, last week. (Submitted by Michel Soucy Photography)

Popular tourist spots have all been reopened in Cape Breton Highlands National Park after officials killed three aggressive coyotes over several days of trapping and patrols.

Parks Canada closed some trails, lookoffs and campgrounds north of Ingonish, N.S., after attacks on Provincial Route 30 known as the Cabot Trail last week.

Coyotes chased motorcycles on McKenzie Mountain on the west side of the park and a woman cycling near Green Cove on the east side was bitten by one.

In a news release on Thursday, Parks Canada said officials cannot be certain the dead coyotes are the same ones that were involved in those incidents, but they said the likelihood is high.

Parks Canada said they are finished looking for the animals responsible.

"Visitors can now resume their regular activities in these areas, but are asked as always to exercise caution and obey any posted signage," the agency said.

However, Parks Canada said later in aninformation bulletin that all public and backcountry campgrounds would temporarily close on Friday at noon in anticipation of Hurricane Lee.

The closure was expected to remain in place until conditions are deemed safe.

A sign warns about coyotes in the area.
Warning signs had been posted at trail heads and on roadside sandwich boards alerting motorists to be on the lookout for aggressive coyotes. (Tom Ayers/CBC)

Last week, warning signs wereposted at trail heads and on roadside sandwich boards alerting motorists to be on the lookout for aggressive coyotes.

Parks Canada said the decision to kill wild animals is not taken lightly, but attacking humans on bicycles or motorcycles is unusual and indicates an animal haslost its natural fear of humans.

"While this situation appears to be resolved, it is still important to report any sightings of aggressive coyotes to Parks Canada staff members," the agency said.

To report a sighting, people are asked to speak with a Parks Canada staff member or call 1-877-852-3100.

MORE TOP STORIES

Add some good to your morning and evening.

Get the latest top stories from across Nova Scotia in your inbox every weekday.

...

The next issue of CBC Nova Scotia newsletter will soon be in your inbox.

Discover all CBC newsletters in theSubscription Centre.opens new window

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.