What actually happened.

On Sunday, September 13, Parks Canada received a report that a local resident had been walking the Old Town Trail and encountered two adult coyotes in the path in front of him. The resident was carrying walking poles. One of the coyotes appeared to have a mouse in its mouth and was not interested in the person walking; the other coyote was much more curious and approached the man. The man swung his walking stick to scare off the animal, who kept attempting to get behind the man. The man made his way through the grass to Route 22 (the main roadway toward the Fortress), where an employee at the Fortress was driving by. The employee blew her car horn, which diverted the coyotes’ attention. They eventually ran into the woods, leaving the man unharmed.

There has been an increase in coyotes of the area displaying food-conditioned behaviour, and it appears they may be being fed. Feeding wildlife – either directly or indirectly – leads to them losing their natural fear of humans, and habituates them to human presence and the possibility of a food reward. Feeding or enticing wildlife is an illegal activity and could lead to charges under the Canada National Parks Act, including fines of up to $25,000. 

There have been no media stories published on this occurrence yet, although a news outlet will be on site this afternoon, so there could be something published this evening. Until then (and likely beyond), AI cannot be trusted as a reliable source of information for this or any other rumoured activity at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site