A traveler riding a bike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park recently recounted a brief but intense encounter with a hostile coyote that left him with a bite. Despite this incident, the traveler, Alex Radu from Ontario, emphasized that his overall experience on the Cabot Trail was tranquil.
Radu described how the coyote suddenly approached him while he was admiring the moon at MacIntosh Brook campsite. He attempted to scare off the coyote by making himself appear larger, shouting, and stomping. However, as the coyote persisted and started snapping at him, Radu made the decision to retreat to safety inside a nearby building.
Only later did Radu notice his torn pant leg and bite marks on his leg. Although the wounds were minor, they required medical attention. He mentioned feeling fear and adrenaline during the incident and expressed relief that the coyote eventually lost interest in him.
Following the encounter, Radu reported the incident to park authorities and received treatment at a nearby health facility, including a rabies vaccine as a precautionary measure. Parks Canada confirmed that a coyote was euthanized in the MacIntosh Brook area, although it remains uncertain if it was the same coyote that bit Radu.
Allison Moody, an ecologist with Parks Canada, advised visitors to back away slowly while facing an aggressive coyote and to seek shelter if possible. She also recommended carrying bear spray and walking sticks for added protection.
Despite the unsettling encounter, Radu reflected on the positive aspects of his trip, mentioning serene moments like a refreshing dip in a creek earlier in the day. Moody assured that park staff are actively monitoring the area to ensure visitor safety from coyotes.
In conclusion, despite the unfortunate incident, Radu found solace in the peaceful experiences and beautiful moments he encountered during his week-long stay at Cape Breton Highlands National Park.