Coyotes kill woman in Cape Breton

Something extremely rare in North America has happened in Nova Scotia: Coyotes have attacked and killed a hiker in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This happened on the popular Skyline Trail on October 27. Two coyotes were involved in the attack. One was killed shortly afterwards, and a search is being undertaken for the second.

In fact, coyote attacks of any kind are unusual, and most outdoor enthusiasts, myself included, have seen coyotes on dozens of occasions and have never felt threatened. The picture accompanying this article was taken be me in Arizona, and shows a typical western coyote. Eastern coyotes tend to be larger and darker, suggesting cross-breeding with eastern timber wolves. Coyotes only arrived in Nova Scotia in the 1970s, having spread across the continent from west to east.

There is considerable speculation on the reason for this nearly unprecedented attack, and further details about this story will be of interest to outdoor people as they become available. Additional information may be found at: Chronicle Herald.