A camper biking through Cape Breton Highlands National Park recounted a brief but intense encounter with an aggressive coyote that left him with minor bite wounds. Despite the incident, the camper, Alex Radu, emphasized that his overall experience on the Cabot Trail had been peaceful.

Radu, who hails from Ontario, described how the coyote unexpectedly approached him at the MacIntosh Brook campsite while he was admiring the moonlit scenery. Initially, he attempted to scare off the animal by making loud noises and appearing larger but eventually had to flee to a nearby building for safety as the coyote persisted in its aggressive behavior.

Not realizing he had been bitten until later, Radu sought assistance for his injuries, receiving treatment and a rabies vaccine as a precaution. Parks Canada later confirmed the euthanization of a coyote in the area due to its unnatural behavior towards humans, though it remains uncertain if this was the same coyote involved in Radu’s encounter.

Reflecting on the incident, Radu expressed mixed emotions regarding the coyote’s fate, acknowledging the necessity of the action while also feeling compassion for the animal. Parks Canada ecologist Allison Moody advised visitors to face an aggressive coyote, back away slowly, and seek shelter if necessary, emphasizing the importance of reporting such encounters to park staff.

Despite the unsettling experience, Radu highlighted the positive aspects of his trip, including serene moments like a refreshing dip in a creek earlier that day. Moody suggested precautions such as carrying bear spray and walking sticks to deter coyotes and reiterated park staff’s commitment to ensuring visitor safety amidst the ongoing patrols in affected areas.