Canadian tragedy ping.
When the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrived on scene, the two animals were aggressive. Officers shot and injured one of the coyotes, but the animal fled. Officials are still searching for the injured coyote. The other coyote was killed later that evening. The dead coyote will be sent to the Prince Edward Island’s Atlantic Veterinary College for tests.
Coyotes, Canis latrans, normally eat at night and can weigh up to 50 pounds. While coyotes have been known to attack pets and even children, it is extremely rare for coyotes to attack adults. Although coyotes are considered to be clever and curious creatures, they are also quite shy. Park Superintendent Helene Robichard said that the unusual attack may have occurred due to “increased human-animal contact in national parks.” Bob Bancroft, retired biologist from Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources, said the attack is very rare. He said it was possible the coyotes mistakenly believed the singer was a deer or some other prey.