The Canadian Press

CHETICAMP, N.S. — A young Toronto-area woman was in critical condition late Tuesday after being attacked by two coyotes while hiking alone in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

The RCMP said the 19-year-old was airlifted to hospital in Halifax with multiple bite wounds.

RCMP Sgt. Brigdit Leger said one coyote was shot after it continued to be aggressive when officers arrived.

The animal managed to crawl away and Mounties were searching for the carcass. The second coyote fled into the woods.

"Our members are still currently at the scene and dealing with the coyotes," Leger said late in the day.

Leger wouldn't discuss any of the details leading up to the attack, saying it is part of an ongoing investigation.

Attacks by coyotes are extremely rare but not unheard of, said a biologist with the provincial Natural Resources Department.

Don Anderson said a young girl from Ontario was bitten several years ago on the same trail.

"That coyote was put down and sent away for testing and it came back negative for rabies or anything like that," he said.

Anderson said coyote attacks are rare unless the animal is diseased or provoked by humans.

It wasn't known if the victim from Toronto was visiting the area or is now living in Cape Breton.