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Coyote killed after visitor bitten in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

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More warnings are up in Cape Breton after a coyote bit a visitor.

A coyote has been killed in the MacIntosh Brook area of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

A visitor was bitten by a coyote in the area on Thursday evening. However, it’s not clear if the coyote killed Saturday is the same animal.

A sign for the MacIntosh Brook area of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic)
MacIntosh Brook A sign for the MacIntosh Brook area of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic)

The person reportedly suffered minor injuries and received medical attention.

Parks Canada says it killed a coyote on Saturday “after it repeatedly approached patrolling staff, indicating a loss of natural fear toward humans and behaviour consistent with food conditioning.”

The agency adds it will continue to monitor the area, look for potential food attractants and install more wildlife warning signs.

The Lone Shieling section of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is  temporarily closed after a visitor was bitten by a coyote. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic)
Lone Shieling The Lone Shieling section of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is temporarily closed after a visitor was bitten by a coyote. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic)

The following temporarily closures are still in place:

  • MacIntosh Brook
  • Lone Shieling
  • Nearby look-offs

“Visitors and local residents are asked to respect all closures and signage, never feed wildlife and report concerning wildlife behaviour to Parks Canada staff,” reads a social media update from Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Parks Canada says if someone encounters a coyote, they should not run. They should make themselves appear large, make noise and slowly back away.

Last week there were coyote sightings near the Fortress of Louisbourg in Cape Breton. Signs warning about aggressive coyote behaviour were posted along the Old Town Trail.

A woman also reported coming within an arm’s length of a coyote while running along Causeway Drive in Sydney River, N.S., which is a quiet suburban neighbourhood.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Stephanie Tsicos and Ryan MacDonald

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page

Visitors and residents are asked to respect closures and signage in Cape Breton Highlands National Park after a visitor was bitten by a coyote. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic)
Coyote park closure Visitors and residents are asked to respect closures and signage in Cape Breton Highlands National Park after a visitor was bitten by a coyote. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic)