Teen Killed By Coyotes

[dihappy]

http://www.spinner.com/2009/10/29/folk- ... y-coyotes/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A teenage folk singer was attacked and killed by two coyotes in a national park in eastern Canada.

Taylor Mitchell, 19, was attacked while she was hiking alone in Cape Breton Highlands Park, Nova Scotia, when she was attacked by two of the animals on Tuesday. She died of her wounds on Wednesday.

Nearby walkers heard her screams and alerted park rangers, who arrived on the scene and shot one of the animals. The other has yet to be found.

But i thought no one needed guns to protect themselves in National Parks? Yeah right.

[Purplehood]

She was probably armed with an Acoustic Guitar, sometimes known as an "axe" (or should it be electric?).

[Rex B]

It was in Canada.

Nothing more pointy than harsh words allowed, unless you are a Park Ranger or LEO

[frazzled]

I am saddened for her family.

I don't see how two coyotes could do that. Coyotes aren't particularly big (had run ins with them in California before, they were like, nothing). Is there another factor here?

[Purplehood]

I am saddened for her family.

I don't see how two coyotes could do that. Coyotes aren't particularly big (had run ins with them in California before, they were like, nothing). Is there another factor here?

The farther north you go, the bigger they get. As I understand it they are essentially a wimpy wolf.

[Dragonfighter]

I have never even heard of a coyote attacking a person, much less mauling them to death. And I have been nose to nose with one.

[Pete92FS]

In broad daylight - rabies maybe?

[Keith B]

Coyote's can get up to 40 - 45 lbs. Not sure about how large the girl was, but from this photo, the guitar she is holding dwarfs her. Think about a couple of fair sized dogs attacking a person of <100 lbs and I could easily see it happening. And, while rare, these coyotes could have had distemper or rabies which would have made them attack when normally they wouldn't.

[karder]

I used to hunt coyotes here on the Mexico border with .22lr. They are small and way skitish here. One of my buddies who hunts in Canada says they are more substantial up north. This is tragic on so many levels. It is a shame some of those people who heard her screaming couldn't do anything other than call for help. If any of those folks had a rifle or shotgun, this would have had a different out come. That's the worst part. Just a .410 or a .22lr would have been enough to save her life.

[frazzled]

Thats even worse and again doesn't sound right. As a bystander I'd go through 2 60lb dogs like a freight train through a donut shop to stop an attack.

This is the media we're talking about. Are we sure these were coyotes and not wolves?

[Purplehood]

Coyotes found in low deserts and valleys weigh about 20 pounds, less than half of their mountain kin, who can weigh up to 50 pounds. Desert Coyotes are light gray or tan with a black tip on the tail.

[Oldgringo]

http://www.spinner.com/2009/10/29/folk- ... y-coyotes/

A teenage folk singer was attacked and killed by two coyotes in a national park in eastern Canada.

Taylor Mitchell, 19, was attacked while she was hiking alone in Cape Breton Highlands Park, Nova Scotia, when she was attacked by two of the animals on Tuesday. She died of her wounds on Wednesday.

Nearby walkers heard her screams and alerted park rangers, who arrived on the scene and shot one of the animals. The other has yet to be found.

But i thought no one needed guns to protect themselves in National Parks? Yeah right.

NO ONE, including park rangers, are currently allowed to carry any FIREARM while in a US National Park. Hopefully, duly licensed CHL holders will be allowed to carry in US National Parks come next February. In the meantime, wear bells (many) if you're in Grizzly country.

[dihappy]

Although probably so rare you have a better chance of getting hit by lightning, this is exactly why we should carry every day.

The old saying goes, "Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

Also, im sure the yotes that far north are well experienced at taking down game. They work as pack and im sure those two yotes have been successfull at taking down big deer, etc.

If they dont see too many humans, they were not afraid.

[PappaGun]

There is something missing here.

I hope there is some follow up.

However this comes out, it is a tragedy.