Cape Breton sends a PR email justifying the chest shooting and beheading

Well the coyote didn't want that outcome.  And killing coyotes is pointless.  They get replaced and people are less likely to report feeding, out of fear of animals being shot.  Now coyotes are even more traumatized, by watching another family member being killed.  Shot in the chest.  And traumatized animals are disregulated. The inter generational trauma from 2009 needs to be healed, not destroyed.  Please take killing out of the toolbox.  

On Tue, Nov 10, 2026 at 8:33 AM Andrea Cote <andrea.cote@pc.gc.ca> wrote:

Dear Ms. Corrado,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the recent coyote incident in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We’ve read each and every one of your emails and notes and shared them with the team. The death of a wild animal in a national park under these circumstances is difficult for many, including us, Parks Canada staff. We truly appreciate the passion and care you show for wildlife.

Parks Canada staff are experienced wildlife management professionals who also care deeply about the animals and ecosystems they are entrusted to protect. Wildlife management decisions are informed by scientific research, professional expertise and knowledge gained through experience in the field. Decisions involving lethal action are not made lightly and are based on careful consideration of the circumstances and available options. 

At Parks Canada, we have a responsibility to protect both the ecological integrity and the safety of visitors within a national park. Following the September 24 incident, a coyote repeatedly approached patrolling staff on September 26, demonstrating a loss of its natural fear of people and behaviour consistent with food conditioning. Based on the behaviour observed and the risk that this behaviour posed to visitor safety, the animal was killed.

We understand that this coyote was not to blame for its behaviour. Humans contribute to wildlife becoming food-conditioned or habituated. This can occur through intentional feeding as well as improperly stored food or other attractants. Through our Keep it Wild, Keep it Safe program, Parks Canada works to educate visitors on how to safely share these natural spaces with wildlife and prevent situations that put both people and animals at risk. Following this incident, we will review our education efforts to better increase visitor understanding about potential impacts on wildlife.

No one at Parks Canada wanted this outcome. Our goal is to prevent incidents like this whenever possible by keeping wildlife wild and reducing the conditions that lead to habituation and food conditioning. We will continue to reinforce responsible wildlife practices with visitors and make wildlife management decisions based on the best available information and professional judgement. 

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. 

Sincerely,

Andrea

Andrea Coté

Pronouns: She/Her

Pronom: Elle

A/Superintendent | Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Parks Canada | Government of Canada

andrea.cote@pc.gc.ca| Tel: (709) 351-1606

Directrice par intérim | Parc national des Hautes-Terres-du-Cap-Breton

Parcs Canada | Gouvernement du Canada

andrea.cote@pc.gc.ca | Tél : (709) 351-1606