Department Responds to Aggressive Coyote Incident in Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Department of Natural Resources officials responded to an incident involving an aggressive coyote Tuesday, May 15, in the evening, near Edwardsville, Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

A 14-year-old boy was attacked by a coyote on a trail. The animal bit the boy's leg and buttock. He has been checked by health officials and his wounds are not considered serious.

Natural Resources officials are investigating on-site and have called in a trained trapper to remove the animal.

"An aggressive encounter with a coyote is unusual and our department is taking the incident seriously," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "We're investigating the incident and our main priority is to do whatever is possible to ensure Nova Scotians are safe."

Department officials remind Nova Scotians that when faced with an aggressive coyote they should remember the acronym BAM -- Back away, Act big, and Make noise. If attacked, the person should use whatever is available to defend themselves.

The Department of Natural Resources has a four-part program to deal with aggressive coyotes that threaten human safety. There are 13 experienced trappers across the province ready to deal with situations where aggressive coyotes must be removed.

The department has a wildlife conflict biologist as of July 2010, and staff continue to provide public education. Educational materials were developed for Nova Scotians and public schools.

Final numbers of coyote pelts taken under the province's pelt incentive initiative during the latest trapping season will be available in the coming weeks, which will help the department examine the effectiveness of the program in changing aggressive coyote behavior over the long term.