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 confirmedthe coyotewas involved in the attack.

Parks Canada is awaiting further test results.

It's still a mysteryas to what might have caused the normally shy animal to maul a hiker.

Chip Bird,field unit superintendent with Parks Canada inCape Breton, said the necropsy showed that the coyote was in good condition and there were no obvious signs of disease or rabies.

"There's no confirmed theory of what might have happened," Bird told CBC News on Monday.

Another coyote, whichwas 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 checkingmore 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.

Anattack like the one that killed Mitchell israre, but hikersshouldtake precautions, Bird said.

"Wild animals are unpredictable and[people] should always be aware of where they are."