A camper cycling through Cape Breton Highlands National Park last week described a brief but intense encounter with a hostile coyote that bit him, yet emphasized that this incident does not overshadow the largely “tranquil experience” he enjoyed along the Cabot Trail.
Alex Radu, who hails from Ontario, recounted that he was at the MacIntosh Brook campsite, admiring the moonlit scenery when the coyote unexpectedly appeared.
“In the darkness, I could hardly see it. But it charged right at me,” Radu mentioned during an interview with CBC News.
“I did what you’re supposed to do. I made myself appear larger. I attempted to act aggressively. I stomped my feet and shouted, and it backed off a few meters before returning. We repeated that dance several times.”
Radu stated that when he realized the coyote was drawing nearer and began snapping at him, he made the decision to run, acknowledging, “I know that’s not what you’re supposed to do, but at that moment, I felt I had few options left.”
“I had no food with me, but I dashed to the nearest building about 50 meters away at MacIntosh Brook and got inside for safety,” he recounted.
“The coyote was no longer with me, so at some point, it either gave up or lost interest.”
A camper who was biking through Cape Breton Highlands National Park last week says he was attacked by an aggressive coyote. Alex Radu of Ontario said he was stopped at the MacIntosh Brook campsite when the coyote appeared out of nowhere. He spoke to the CBC’s Kyle Moore.
However, shortly after, he realized that his pant leg was torn and he discovered bite marks on his leg.
“The wounds were relatively minor, but they were bleeding and required some care,” Radu explained, noting he couldn’t pinpoint when during the encounter the bite occurred.
He mentioned that it was so dark that night that it took him a moment to comprehend what was transpiring.
“I experienced a surge of fear. I was overwhelmed with adrenaline, contemplating all the possible scenarios that could unfold in my mind as the situation played out,” he said.
The following morning, Radu informed park personnel about the incident and received assistance at a nearby health facility.
“They helped clean the wound, bandaged it, and administered the first dose of a rabies vaccine as a precautionary measure,” Radu stated.
Parks Canada confirmed that staff euthanized a coyote on Saturday in the MacIntosh Brook vicinity, but it remains uncertain if it was the same animal that bit Radu.
Keep facing animal, back away slowly: ecologist
According to an email from Parks Canada, the coyote “repeatedly approached patrolling staff, suggesting a loss of natural fear towards humans and behavior typical of food conditioning.”
Radu expressed mixed emotions regarding the situation.
“I believe [park staff] had little choice but to euthanize it. However, I also feel some sympathy for the coyote, as its behavior may have stemmed from being fed and interacting with humans, which isn’t entirely its fault,” Radu remarked.
Allison Moody, an ecologist with Parks Canada, mentioned that staff continue to patrol the area.
She noted that MacIntosh Brook, Lone Shieling, and surrounding look-offs remain closed.
Moody advised that if an aggressive coyote does not retreat despite noise and attempts to appear larger, it is crucial to maintain eye contact with the animal and back away slowly.
“Then seek shelter, whether in a car, a building, or any safe space where you can distance yourself from the animal,” Moody advised, adding that such encounters should be reported to park staff.
‘Cool experiences,’ despite bite
Moody also mentioned that bear spray, if used correctly, along with walking sticks can help deter a coyote.
“Caution is necessary when using bear spray; animals might need to be much closer than you’d prefer, and wind direction is critical,” she added.
Moody assured that staff are working diligently to ensure visitor safety regarding coyotes.
“The foliage is beginning to change, making the landscape increasingly beautiful. We are approaching peak leaf season, so we encourage visitors to come,” she stated.
Despite the incident, Radu expressed that he enjoyed his time at Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
“Just hours before, I had a wonderfully tranquil experience taking a cold dip in one of the pools near MacIntosh Brook,” he reflected.
“This entire trip encompassed more than just that one event. I had numerous remarkable experiences and many beautiful moments throughout the week I spent there.”
Allison Moody, an ecologist with Parks Canada, said there have been no further incidents with coyotes after a camper was bitten last week.
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