QuoteCoyotes kill woman on hike in Canadian park
By ROB GILLIES, Associated Press
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fd.yimg.com%2Fa%2Fp%2Fap%2F20091028%2Fcapt.2b070a7c8bca40bc97660a8af362bcc5.canada_coyote_attack_cpt107.jpg&hash=8c5c551b4e0878fd8962305c2de5b0e1de63a144)
TORONTO – Two coyotes attacked a promising young musician as she was hiking alone in a national park in eastern Canada, and authorities said she died Wednesday of her injuries.
The victim was identified as Taylor Mitchell, 19, a singer-songwriter from Toronto who was touring to promote her new album on the East Coast.
She was hiking solo on a trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia on Tuesday when the attack occurred. She was airlifted to a Halifax hospital in critical condition and died Wednesday morning, authorities said.
Coyotes, which also are known as prairie wolves, are found from Central America to the United States and Canada.
Wildlife biologist Bob Bancroft said coyote attacks are extremely rare because the animals are usually shy.
Bancroft, a retired biologist with Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources, said it's possible the coyotes thought Mitchell was a deer or other prey.
"It's very unusual and is not likely to be repeated," Bancroft said. "We shouldn't assume that coyotes are suddenly going to become the big bad wolf."
Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokeswoman Brigdit Leger said other hikers heard Mitchell's screams for help on Tuesday and called emergency police dispatchers.
Police who were in the area reached the scene quickly and shot one of the animals, apparently wounding it. But the wounded animal and a companion coyote managed to get away.
Paul Maynard of Emergency Health Services said Mitchell already was in critical condition when paramedics arrived on the scene and had multiple bite wounds over her entire body.
"She was losing a considerable amount of blood from the wounds," he said.
An official with Parks Canada said they blocked the entrance to the trail where Mitchell was attacked and were trying to find the animals to determine what prompted such an unusual attack.
"There's been some reports of aggressive animals, so it's not unknown," said Helene Robichaud, the park's superintendent. "But we certainly never have had anything so dramatic and tragic."
Mitchell was an up-and-coming folk and country musician who was nominated for a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award in the Young Performer of the Year category.
"Words can't begin to express the sadness and tragedy of losing such a sweet, compassionate, vibrant, and phenomenally talented young woman," Lisa Weitz, Mitchell's manager, said in an e-mail. "She just turned 19 two months ago, and was so excited about the future."
How strange. I've run into coyotes before while traversing the wilds of California but they flee in terror of me as those mongrels beasts ought to.
Quote from: Jaron on October 29, 2009, 03:58:24 AM
I've run into coyotes before while traversing the wilds of California
:yeahright:
Dances With Fries doesn't lie.
I was going to quip that even the Coyotes are tired of the whole singer-songwriter genre, but my conscience got the better of me. :Embarrass:
There are plenty of coyotes around here. I've seen one in my backyard and I often hear them singing when I take my dog out to pee in the early morning.
Hey, they gotta eat, too.
If the woman had used those sharp elbows to defend herself, she might be alive today. :(
See what happens to super skinny girls. They get eaten by Coyotes.
Quote from: grumbler on October 29, 2009, 06:23:23 AM
If the woman had used those sharp elbows to defend herself, she might be alive today. :(
I'm thinking the guitar would be more effective.
Quote from: Grey Fox on October 29, 2009, 06:26:43 AM
See what happens to super skinny girls. They get eaten by Coyotes.
The great irony in this case is that while the anorexia which made sure she wouldn't get her period and thus not attract bears, the same made her too weak to fend off the coyotes. :cry:
Also, since she was from Toronto, it might just be trained Coyotes making sure no Torontonians returns to soil the lands of Nova Scotia.
I hear them at night. They infest this area. One day they will rise up and displace humanity here the way the Jarons are doing in Cali.
Coyotes in urban areas is believable. Jaron in the wilderness is not. :P
Yeah, I remember reading an article a few years back that coyotes had returned to Mass., but I never saw or heard one there. They're all over the place here, though. I suspect they have something to do with the recent unexplained disappearance of the local semi-feral cats Meow Machine and MeanCat. :(
Coyotes maul folksinger? Woah, now that was some biting criticism.
Seriously though, that's about as weird as being mauled to death by raccoons. I've seen coyotes dozens of times - they are quite common in this part of the world, and generally considered totally harmless (well, harmless to adults - as with any wild animal, you gotta watch out for the kiddies; and they will eat cats and little yapper dogs).
This strikes me as utter bullshit:
QuoteBancroft, a retired biologist with Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources, said it's possible the coyotes thought Mitchell was a deer or other prey.
Sure they thought she was "prey"; no way did they mistake her for a deer. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Caliga on October 29, 2009, 07:22:59 AM
the local semi-feral cats Meow Machine and MeanCat. :(
You have a gift for names.
A folk singer whose last name is Mitchell, Canadian even, gets mauled by a coyote.
Song's been done before, sorry miss.
I looked a Coyote right in the face
On the road to Baljennie near my old home town.
He went runnin' through the whisker wheat
Chasing some prize down.
And a hawk was playing with him.
Coyote was jumping straight up and making passes.
He had those same eyes just like yours -
Under your dark glasses,
Privately probing the public rooms,
Peeking through keyholes in numbered doors
Where the players lick their wounds,
And take their temporary lovers
And their pills and powders to get them through this passion play.
No regrets, Coyote,
I just get off up away.
You just picked up a hitcher,
A prisoner of the white lines on the freeway.---Joni Mitchell
Quote from: Caliga on October 29, 2009, 07:22:59 AM
Yeah, I remember reading an article a few years back that coyotes had returned to Mass., but I never saw or heard one there. They're all over the place here, though. I suspect they have something to do with the recent unexplained disappearance of the local semi-feral cats Meow Machine and MeanCat. :(
They're all over the place here in Massachusetts. I've never seen one, or not sure if it was a coyote or not. But I notice a lot fewer small animals in the neighborhood - squirrels, rabbits, skunks, so I've assumed that coyotes were taking some toll on those. One of my neighbors has seen a coyote on our street at night, and other town residents have seen them. I've had friends in other towns who have seen them also.
Quote from: Malthus on October 29, 2009, 07:53:25 AM
Seriously though, that's about as weird as being mauled to death by raccoons. I've seen coyotes dozens of times - they are quite common in this part of the world, and generally considered totally harmless (well, harmless to adults - as with any wild animal, you gotta watch out for the kiddies; and they will eat cats and little yapper dogs).
same here. Seen coyotes a few times, heard them more often. They usually flee from us.
Quote from: Malthus on October 29, 2009, 07:55:47 AM
This strikes me as utter bullshit:
Sure they thought she was "prey"; no way did they mistake her for a deer. :rolleyes:
Maybe a baby deer :P
Actually, I think these animals have a good sense of smell, so it's highly unlikely they thought she was something else than human. Most likely, the animals were starving, for one reason or another.
Quote from: viper37 on October 29, 2009, 09:04:07 AM
Actually, I think these animals have a good sense of smell, so it's highly unlikely they thought she was something else than human. Most likely, the animals were starving, for one reason or another.
Yup, my impression is that they have excellent senses - good eyesight as well as sense of smell - and they are generally considered pretty clever animals. No way would they "mistake" a person for a deer.
The reason why coyotes don't generally attack people is because they are smart enough to fear the consequenses - generally, being hunted down and killed. Coyotes are very aware that humans are top predators. They can live right next to people and hide well enough that you will rarely see them.
However, some animals, like some people, are just psycho. You get the occasional one who thinks they can go for it. It's pretty damn rare though.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 29, 2009, 07:57:27 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 29, 2009, 07:22:59 AM
the local semi-feral cats Meow Machine and MeanCat. :(
You have a gift for names.
:cool:
Meow Machine literally used to meow nonstop as soon as s/he'd see me. Very friendly little critter. MeanCat, due to the nature of its coat (a grayish tabby pattern) always had a mean look on its face, but wasn't actually mean.
Plenty of coyotes around here - see 'em on the road (the Alaska Highway) every once in a while on my way to work. But then we have lots of everything up here. :Canuck:
Probably thought she was a vampire or something.
Damn. Why couldn't it have been a fat chick?
There were tons of coyotes where I grew up, but the only thing they ate was cats
Makes me wonder whether these were actually coyotes.
QuotePolice who were in the area reached the scene quickly and shot one of the animals, apparently wounding it. But the wounded animal and a companion coyote managed to get away.
Yeah. It's very hard for me to imagine a coyote being able to kill an adult even if it wanted to. A few months ago I saw a YouTube video that was called something like "I feed a sandwich to a really tame coyote at a truck stop" and the animal on the video was, as far as I could tell, a red wolf.
Coyotes are scavengers and small game hunters. As far as I'm aware it is very unusual for them to even attack something as large as a deer unless it's sick/wounded.
A single coyote, yeah, I don't see how they could take down a person. A pack though would be possible.
I don't know why you'd doubt it to be a coyote though. The only thing that might look like a coyote is a fox, which has similar issues re: size in taking down a person.
There's no chance you mistake a coyote for a wolf though - much bigger. Plus I have doubts there are any wolves on Cape Breton.
Quote from: Maximus on October 29, 2009, 12:20:14 PM
Coyotes are scavengers and small game hunters. As far as I'm aware it is very unusual for them to even attack something as large as a deer unless it's sick/wounded.
Well, a chick who lives in my town found a coyote in her yard a few years back trying to corner a deer in her garden. She yelled for her husband to "do something" and he got his shotgun and attempted to fire a warning shot over the coyote's head, but hit it instead. It still managed to get away, though. Anyhoo Bambi was saved. :)
Quote from: Caliga on October 29, 2009, 12:23:46 PM
Quote from: Maximus on October 29, 2009, 12:20:14 PM
Coyotes are scavengers and small game hunters. As far as I'm aware it is very unusual for them to even attack something as large as a deer unless it's sick/wounded.
Well, a chick who lives in my town found a coyote in her yard a few years back trying to corner a deer in her garden. She yelled for her husband to "do something" and he got his shotgun and attempted to fire a warning shot over the coyote's head, but hit it instead. It still managed to get away, though. Anyhoo Bambi was saved. :)
Should've let the coyote eat it. There are too many damn deer down south as it is. <_<
(not here though - this is caribou country)
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 12:22:24 PM
A single coyote, yeah, I don't see how they could take down a person. A pack though would be possible.
I don't know why you'd doubt it to be a coyote though. The only thing that might look like a coyote is a fox, which has similar issues re: size in taking down a person.
There's no chance you mistake a coyote for a wolf though - much bigger. Plus I have doubts there are any wolves on Cape Breton.
Aren't Red Wolves only a little bit larger than Coyotes?
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 12:24:50 PM
Should've let the coyote eat it. There are too many damn deer down south as it is. <_<
(not here though - this is caribou country)
She's one of those "sensitive" types. :rolleyes: Never had kids, has tons of pets. Probably supports PETA. Cute animals = good. 'Mean' animals = DEV0L.
Quote from: Caliga on October 29, 2009, 12:27:22 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 12:22:24 PM
A single coyote, yeah, I don't see how they could take down a person. A pack though would be possible.
I don't know why you'd doubt it to be a coyote though. The only thing that might look like a coyote is a fox, which has similar issues re: size in taking down a person.
There's no chance you mistake a coyote for a wolf though - much bigger. Plus I have doubts there are any wolves on Cape Breton.
Aren't Red Wolves only a little bit larger than Coyotes?
I dunno - never seen one. A quick wiki check says they are inbetween a coyote and a grey wolf, but also that they are "critically endangered" with only 100 surviving in the wild.
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 12:22:24 PM
A single coyote, yeah, I don't see how they could take down a person. A pack though would be possible.
Only two coyotes were seen there.
I am wondering whether she was attacked by something else or something else happened to her first (like she fell and injured herself) and then the coyotes came to investigate.
Quote from: Caliga on October 29, 2009, 12:27:22 PM
Aren't Red Wolves only a little bit larger than Coyotes?
More or less. Looks like coyotes and red wolves interbreed as well. But there aren't a lot of red wolves around.
http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/red_wolf.php
Hey Valmy, how much contact do you have with wild pigs? Read an article in the Atlantic that said they're pretty thick on the ground in Tejas.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on October 29, 2009, 12:49:17 PM
Hey Valmy, how much contact do you have with wild pigs? Read an article in the Atlantic that said they're pretty thick on the ground in Tejas.
We call them javelinas and yeah they are everywhere down here but you don't see them very often just the destruction they tend to wreck on people's expensive manicured lawns. Austin is full of javelinas, deer (all over the freaking place in the suburbs they just walk around eating, again, people's lawns), raccoons, possums, bats, armadillos and so forth. If you go a little outside the city there are coyotes everywhere you can hear them howl at night. Really freaks children out.
It is illegal to hunt within the city limits so you can only smile and wave at our menagerie of urban mammals.
Quote from: Maximus on October 29, 2009, 12:20:14 PM
Coyotes are scavengers and small game hunters. As far as I'm aware it is very unusual for them to even attack something as large as a deer unless it's sick/wounded.
not so unusual.
It depends on how much they're hungry, and how many of them are in the area.
Coyotes won't attack a deer or a human, but if they're in a pack, they will strike. A few years ago, there were lots of snow, and lots of deer too. It was not unusual for Coyotes to attack the deers as they were slowed by the heavy snow, there were lots of them, and the small time animals had an easier time hiding in the thick snow.
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 29, 2009, 12:44:08 PM
Only two coyotes were seen there.
could be there was more than two and the others already fled, or where chased away.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on October 29, 2009, 12:49:17 PM
Hey Valmy, how much contact do you have with wild pigs? Read an article in the Atlantic that said they're pretty thick on the ground in Tejas.
Don't think he goes to those sorts of bars any more.
Coyotes are cowards which is why they thrive while more aggressive predators have been long since exterminated.
Quote from: viper37 on October 29, 2009, 01:15:40 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 29, 2009, 12:44:08 PM
Only two coyotes were seen there.
could be there was more than two and the others already fled, or where chased away.
Also possible.
Quote from: Valmy on October 29, 2009, 01:16:27 PM
Coyotes are cowards which is why they thrive while more aggressive predators have been long since exterminated.
like wolves?
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on October 29, 2009, 11:58:46 AM
Damn. Why couldn't it have been a fat chick?
Oddly enough, that's what the coyote said.
Quote from: Jaron on October 29, 2009, 03:58:24 AM
How strange. I've run into coyotes before while traversing the wilds of California but they flee in terror of me as those mongrels beasts ought to.
Careful what you say, Jaron. Coyotes brought you into this country, and they can take you out. :contract:
Coyotes (some of them) are bigger than I thought :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote
"Coyotes typically grow up to 75–87 centimeters (30–34 inches) in length, not counting a tail of 30-40 cm (12-16 in), stand about 58-66 cm (23-26 in) at the shoulder and, on average, weigh from 7–21 kilograms (15–46 pounds).[5][10] Northern coyotes are typically larger than southern subspecies, with the largest coyotes on record weighing 74¾ pounds (33.7 kg) and measuring over five feet in total length."
Assuming that a 21-kilo coyote isn't an overweight lardass then it would certainly be a nasty beast to have a fight with, and quite likely lethal if there were two of them. Of course such a fight is not usually worth it just to get lunch. Which is why even formidable predators like tigers and lions usually leave humans alone.
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on October 29, 2009, 03:37:21 PM
Northern coyotes are typically larger than southern subspecies,
Everything is bigger up north.
Bigger coyotes.
Bigger bears.
Katmai.
coyotes have replaced wolves, who traditionally kept them in check. they are also breeding with (what is left of the) wolves and wild dogs, meaning some could becoming bigger and more aggro.
Quote from: saskganesh on October 29, 2009, 03:48:12 PM
more aggro.
WoW will nerf them soon. Its just not fair that races have to use their skills to gain aggro while these guys seem to attract the mobs without any effort at all. :nerd:
Coyotes have bad pathing problems. :yes:
"Coyotes ate my girlfriend".
Is this like a sequel to "A dingo stole my baby"?
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 29, 2009, 03:55:00 PM
Coyotes have bad pathing problems. :yes:
She should have just run. Meep. Meep.
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on October 29, 2009, 07:19:29 AM
I hear them at night. They infest this area. One day they will rise up and displace humanity here the way the Jarons are doing in Cali.
Come now. That's pure scaremongering. Most singer-songwriters are gay and thus don't breed.
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on October 29, 2009, 11:59:25 AM
There were tons of coyotes where I grew up, but the only thing they ate was cats
Maybe they mistook her for a pussy?
Quote from: Martinus on October 29, 2009, 05:25:34 PM
Come now. That's pure scaremongering. Most singer-songwriters are gay and thus don't breed.
Pfft you think most of everything is gay.
Quote from: Valmy on October 29, 2009, 05:33:55 PM
Quote from: Martinus on October 29, 2009, 05:25:34 PM
Come now. That's pure scaremongering. Most singer-songwriters are gay and thus don't breed.
Pfft you think most of everything is gay.
*cough* Rufus Wainwright *cough*
Quote from: Martinus on October 29, 2009, 05:34:51 PM
Quote from: Valmy on October 29, 2009, 05:33:55 PM
Quote from: Martinus on October 29, 2009, 05:25:34 PM
Come now. That's pure scaremongering. Most singer-songwriters are gay and thus don't breed.
Pfft you think most of everything is gay.
*cough* Rufus Wainwright *cough*
*cough* Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, Alanis Morissette, Kate Bush....*cough*
Non gays are up 6-1 so far...want to go on?
Quote from: Josephus on October 29, 2009, 05:47:28 PM
*cough* Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, Alanis Morissette, Kate Bush....*cough*
Non gays are up 6-1 so far...want to go on?
Indeed. Like most things that he says, it was utterly foolish.
How bizzare. When was the last time that wolves attacked a person, let alone a coyote?
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 29, 2009, 06:36:07 PM
How bizzare. When was the last time that wolves attacked a person, let alone a coyote?
I don't think this was a case of a coyote being attacked by wolves. :huh:
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 29, 2009, 06:36:07 PM
How bizzare. When was the last time that wolves attacked a person, let alone a coyote?
Wolf attacks, while extremely rare, do happen. I've never, ever heard of a coyote attacking a person though.
Quote from: Martinus on October 29, 2009, 06:44:47 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 29, 2009, 06:36:07 PM
How bizzare. When was the last time that wolves attacked a person, let alone a coyote?
I don't think this was a case of a coyote being attacked by wolves. :huh:
Tim's always crying wolf. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Caliga on October 29, 2009, 06:59:52 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 29, 2009, 06:36:07 PM
How bizzare. When was the last time that wolves attacked a person, let alone a coyote?
Wolf attacks, while extremely rare, do happen. I've never, ever heard of a coyote attacking a person though.
Why wouldn't they, domestic dogs do it regularly.
Because coyotes are among the smarter of the dog family. The domestic dog is at the bottom of that particular ladder.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 29, 2009, 08:00:06 PM
Why wouldn't they, domestic dogs do it regularly.
Because they're generally small and cowardly.
maybe there was pups involved? or she cornered them?
Quote from: Caliga on October 29, 2009, 06:59:52 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 29, 2009, 06:36:07 PM
How bizzare. When was the last time that wolves attacked a person, let alone a coyote?
Wolf attacks, while extremely rare, do happen. I've never, ever heard of a coyote attacking a person though.
I thought that was an old world thing. I don't remember ever reading of an unprovoked wolf attack in North America.
I think maybe something happened to her first and the coyotes just defiled her corpse as is their habit with corpses.
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 12:24:50 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 29, 2009, 12:23:46 PM
Quote from: Maximus on October 29, 2009, 12:20:14 PM
Coyotes are scavengers and small game hunters. As far as I'm aware it is very unusual for them to even attack something as large as a deer unless it's sick/wounded.
Well, a chick who lives in my town found a coyote in her yard a few years back trying to corner a deer in her garden. She yelled for her husband to "do something" and he got his shotgun and attempted to fire a warning shot over the coyote's head, but hit it instead. It still managed to get away, though. Anyhoo Bambi was saved. :)
Should've let the coyote eat it. There are too many damn deer down south as it is. <_<
(not here though - this is caribou country)
I imagine nobody wants a deer carcass in their yard
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 29, 2009, 09:08:40 PM
I think maybe something happened to her first and the coyotes just defiled her corpse as is their habit with corpses.
If you read the article you would know that other hikers heard her screams for help, came to her aid, and when the authorities arrived she was still alive.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 29, 2009, 08:58:52 PM
I thought that was an old world thing. I don't remember ever reading of an unprovoked wolf attack in North America.
I think some chick was killed by a wolf in Canada a few years back, and before that some grad student at a research station in northern Manitoba or something died from a wolf attack.
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 03:44:29 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on October 29, 2009, 03:37:21 PM
Northern coyotes are typically larger than southern subspecies,
Everything is bigger up north.
Bigger coyotes.
Bigger bears.
Katmai.
WTF?
He's right. Katmai is bigger(or at least heavier) up north.
http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/question.php?number=310 (http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/question.php?number=310)
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 12:22:24 PM
A single coyote, yeah, I don't see how they could take down a person. A pack though would be possible.
I don't know why you'd doubt it to be a coyote though. The only thing that might look like a coyote is a fox, which has similar issues re: size in taking down a person.
There's no chance you mistake a coyote for a wolf though - much bigger. Plus I have doubts there are any wolves on Cape Breton.
Indeed. Remember this guy? ;)
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 29, 2009, 06:36:07 PM
How bizzare. When was the last time that wolves attacked a person, let alone a coyote?
Early 80s. The theory floating around is these coyotes were either wolf hybrids or rabid or something.
Oh and Marty wolves hate coyotes they kill them pretty frequently.
Quote from: katmai on October 29, 2009, 10:03:31 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 03:44:29 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on October 29, 2009, 03:37:21 PM
Northern coyotes are typically larger than southern subspecies,
Everything is bigger up north.
Bigger coyotes.
Bigger bears.
Katmai.
WTF?
I saw an opportunity for a gratuitous fat joke, and I took it.
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 11:53:17 PM
I saw an opportunity for a gratuitous fat joke, and I took it.
Now I have to agree with Josephus about your unborn child <_<
Quote from: Tonitrus on October 29, 2009, 11:00:03 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 12:22:24 PM
A single coyote, yeah, I don't see how they could take down a person. A pack though would be possible.
I don't know why you'd doubt it to be a coyote though. The only thing that might look like a coyote is a fox, which has similar issues re: size in taking down a person.
There's no chance you mistake a coyote for a wolf though - much bigger. Plus I have doubts there are any wolves on Cape Breton.
Indeed. Remember this guy? ;)
Exactly who I was thinking of when I said you wouldn't mistake a wolf for a fox.
Incedentally driving back from Ross River last Saturday I saw a lynx on the road. I've seen them before twice and they bolt instantly, but this guy just sauntered off to the side, then just stood there are gave us a good, long stare. It was amazing - he was maybe 30 feet away, perfectly still. Beautiful animal. :wub:
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 11:59:40 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on October 29, 2009, 11:00:03 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 12:22:24 PM
A single coyote, yeah, I don't see how they could take down a person. A pack though would be possible.
I don't know why you'd doubt it to be a coyote though. The only thing that might look like a coyote is a fox, which has similar issues re: size in taking down a person.
There's no chance you mistake a coyote for a wolf though - much bigger. Plus I have doubts there are any wolves on Cape Breton.
Indeed. Remember this guy? ;)
Exactly who I was thinking of when I said you wouldn't mistake a wolf for a fox.
Incedentally driving back from Ross River last Saturday I saw a lynx on the road. I've seen them before twice and they bolt instantly, but this guy just sauntered off to the side, then just stood there are gave us a good, long stare. It was amazing - he was maybe 30 feet away, perfectly still. Beautiful animal. :wub:
It was scheming on ways to kill you.
Quote from: Jaron on October 30, 2009, 12:50:10 AM
It was scheming on ways to kill you.
That is what all cats do.
Quote from: Jaron on October 30, 2009, 12:50:10 AM
It was scheming on ways to kill you.
Being killed by a coyote is weird enough. Being killed by a Lynx wold be just plain insulting. :D
I think a good way to exit this life would be to be killed by a beaver.
Quote from: Caliga on October 30, 2009, 09:33:57 AM
I think a good way to exit this life would be to be killed by a beaver.
I don't get it.
Quote from: Malthus on October 30, 2009, 08:51:48 AM
Quote from: Jaron on October 30, 2009, 12:50:10 AM
It was scheming on ways to kill you.
Being killed by a coyote is weird enough. Being killed by a Lynx wold be just plain insulting. :D
I dunno - I'd be more afraid of a lynx than I would a coyote I think.
How can you be afraid of something that sound like a little girl being raped?
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 11:00:07 AM
I dunno - I'd be more afraid of a lynx than I would a coyote I think.
Definitely, lynx are scrappy.
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 11:00:07 AM
Quote from: Malthus on October 30, 2009, 08:51:48 AM
Quote from: Jaron on October 30, 2009, 12:50:10 AM
It was scheming on ways to kill you.
Being killed by a coyote is weird enough. Being killed by a Lynx wold be just plain insulting. :D
I dunno - I'd be more afraid of a lynx than I would a coyote I think.
Lynx are small, secretive and solitary. The average weight of a full grown Canadian Lynx is - a whopping 24 pounds. There are
house-cats that size.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_lynx
Coyotes are a lot larger, ranging up to 45 pounds, and typically hunt in pairs or family groups.
I'd rather be in a fight with a coyote than a lynx
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 29, 2009, 06:36:07 PM
How bizzare. When was the last time that wolves attacked a person, let alone a coyote?
not that often, because they have been pushed out of the areas where humans mostly inhabit. And since they're not scavengers like the coyotes, they don't do well near cities.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 29, 2009, 08:58:52 PM
I thought that was an old world thing. I don't remember ever reading of an unprovoked wolf attack in North America.
Nowadays, you'd have to look toward Alaska or Yukon to find such attacks. It's unlikely to happen in downtown L.A.
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 11:59:40 PM
Beautiful animal. :wub:
From inside a moving car, yes, absolutely. Face to face, I hear it's a savage animal.
Oh, Malthus, 24 pounds of fat is not the same thing as 24 pounds of muscle.
I mean, would you rather be attacked by Mike Tyson or some 300lbs burger junkie? ;) :D
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on October 30, 2009, 12:28:31 PM
I'd rather be in a fight with a coyote than a lynx
Never heard of a canadian lynx attacking anyone.
Coyote attacks are merely really, really rare. Lynx attacks are pretty well non-existant.
The reason for this is: the lynx is really, really small compared to a human. It isn't all that much larger than a big cat.
Quote from: viper37 on October 30, 2009, 12:41:26 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 11:59:40 PM
Beautiful animal. :wub:
From inside a moving car, yes, absolutely. Face to face, I hear it's a savage animal.
Oh, Malthus, 24 pounds of fat is not the same thing as 24 pounds of muscle.
I mean, would you rather be attacked by Mike Tyson or some 300lbs burger junkie? ;) :D
Agreed a 24 pound cat is a fatty. But still - on average, a lynx is only about twice the size of a cat in good condition.
People, this is not a tiger. :lol:
Quote from: Malthus on October 30, 2009, 12:45:21 PM
Quote from: viper37 on October 30, 2009, 12:41:26 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 29, 2009, 11:59:40 PM
Beautiful animal. :wub:
From inside a moving car, yes, absolutely. Face to face, I hear it's a savage animal.
Oh, Malthus, 24 pounds of fat is not the same thing as 24 pounds of muscle.
I mean, would you rather be attacked by Mike Tyson or some 300lbs burger junkie? ;) :D
Agreed a 24 pound cat is a fatty. But still - on average, a lynx is only about twice the size of a cat in good condition.
People, this is not a tiger. :lol:
A lynx is probably incapable of killing a human being - they don't have the teeth necessary to inflict a fatal wound, unless they managed to fasten on to your neck or something.
A lynx...seriously people. It is a big cat. I don't think I would enjoy a rabid one caoming at me or something, lots of sharp claws and teeth, but they are hardly going to really hurt you beyond some nasty scratches.
I was thinking I wouldn't be scared of a wolverine, but then I remembered they can throw a grenade through the roof hatch of an apc.
Quote from: Malthus on October 30, 2009, 12:22:48 PM
Lynx are small, secretive and solitary. The average weight of a full grown Canadian Lynx is - a whopping 24 pounds. There are house-cats that size.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_lynx
Coyotes are a lot larger, ranging up to 45 pounds, and typically hunt in pairs or family groups.
I agree that, as unlikely as either would be, a coyote is probably more likely to attack a human than a lynx. After all I've seen lots of coyotes, and my observation of a lynx last week as noteable because it's the first time I've ever seen a lynx for more than a split second, despite their abundance in the wild.
And being attacked by a pack would be more dangerous than a solitary animal.
Nevertheless, if you are going to be attacked by a solitary animal, I would rather it be a coyote than a lynx. A lynx, if cornered, can be damn mean, plus you have to worry about those claws.
Quote from: Berkut on October 30, 2009, 12:47:31 PM
A lynx is probably incapable of killing a human being - they don't have the teeth necessary to inflict a fatal wound, unless they managed to fasten on to your neck or something.
A lynx...seriously people. It is a big cat. I don't think I would enjoy a rabid one caoming at me or something, lots of sharp claws and teeth, but they are hardly going to really hurt you beyond some nasty scratches.
While I agree it's no tiger, you'd be wrong to dismiss it as a "big cat". It's significantly larger than a house cat. It's about the size of a medium-sized dog, and from what I've seen is about the same size as a coyote.
Malthus' link says they're capable of taking down a deer. A deer is about the same size as a human, or even larger, so them taking down a human would be possible.
Lynx on average is 24 pounds. Coyotes range from 15 to 45. They're not that much bigger. I don't think either could kill me, but if I had to face one I'd rather it be the coyote than the twirling mass of fur and razor blades.
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 12:51:30 PM
Quote from: Berkut on October 30, 2009, 12:47:31 PM
A lynx is probably incapable of killing a human being - they don't have the teeth necessary to inflict a fatal wound, unless they managed to fasten on to your neck or something.
A lynx...seriously people. It is a big cat. I don't think I would enjoy a rabid one caoming at me or something, lots of sharp claws and teeth, but they are hardly going to really hurt you beyond some nasty scratches.
While I agree it's no tiger, you'd be wrong to dismiss it as a "big cat". It's significantly larger than a house cat. It's about the size of a medium-sized dog, and from what I've seen is about the same size as a coyote.
Malthus' link says they're capable of taking down a deer. A deer is about the same size as a human, or even larger, so them taking down a human would be possible.
Malthus' link says they typically hunt rabbits, but have been known to hunt deer. I doubt a 24 lb cat can kill a deer though - probably some examples of them getting one that is already injured, or a fawn or something.
There is no way a lynx is going to kill a healthy human adult. How could it? Scratch it to death?
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 12:47:56 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 30, 2009, 12:22:48 PM
Lynx are small, secretive and solitary. The average weight of a full grown Canadian Lynx is - a whopping 24 pounds. There are house-cats that size.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_lynx
Coyotes are a lot larger, ranging up to 45 pounds, and typically hunt in pairs or family groups.
I agree that, as unlikely as either would be, a coyote is probably more likely to attack a human than a lynx. After all I've seen lots of coyotes, and my observation of a lynx last week as noteable because it's the first time I've ever seen a lynx for more than a split second, despite their abundance in the wild.
And being attacked by a pack would be more dangerous than a solitary animal.
Nevertheless, if you are going to be attacked by a solitary animal, I would rather it be a coyote than a lynx. A lynx, if cornered, can be damn mean, plus you have to worry about those claws.
I disagree. One kick and it's done. You may get a lot of nasty scratches, but a lynx simply isn't equipped to kill you unless you are disabled in some way. You, on the other hand, could easily stomp a lynx to death if it was dumb enough to get close to scratch or bite, assuming it stuck around.
The
lynx certainly knows that - their invariable habit on seeing a person is, as you know, to run as fast as possible in the other direction.
Not to say lynx aren't dangerous if trapped and *forced* to fight - grabbing a wildcat isn't exactly safe.
But they are not the stuff of nightmares, walking through the woods. If I see a bear, I get afraid - I back away slowly. If I see a coyote, I'm wary. If I see a lynx, I'm just happy - because they are so rarely seen. The thought I'd be *frightened* of one never crossed my mind.
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on October 30, 2009, 12:54:36 PM
Lynx on average is 24 pounds. Coyotes range from 15 to 45. They're not that much bigger. I don't think either could kill me, but if I had to face one I'd rather it be the coyote than the twirling mass of fur and razor blades.
If by "not much larger" you mean nearly twice the size, I guess so. After all, the link on coyotes said they can be as large as over 60lbs. That is wolf size.
Quote from: Malthus on October 30, 2009, 01:00:54 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 12:47:56 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 30, 2009, 12:22:48 PM
Lynx are small, secretive and solitary. The average weight of a full grown Canadian Lynx is - a whopping 24 pounds. There are house-cats that size.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_lynx
Coyotes are a lot larger, ranging up to 45 pounds, and typically hunt in pairs or family groups.
I agree that, as unlikely as either would be, a coyote is probably more likely to attack a human than a lynx. After all I've seen lots of coyotes, and my observation of a lynx last week as noteable because it's the first time I've ever seen a lynx for more than a split second, despite their abundance in the wild.
And being attacked by a pack would be more dangerous than a solitary animal.
Nevertheless, if you are going to be attacked by a solitary animal, I would rather it be a coyote than a lynx. A lynx, if cornered, can be damn mean, plus you have to worry about those claws.
I disagree. One kick and it's done. You may get a lot of nasty scratches, but a lynx simply isn't equipped to kill you unless you are disabled in some way. You, on the other hand, could easily stomp a lynx to death if it was dumb enough to get close to scratch or bite, assuming it stuck around.
The lynx certainly knows that - their invariable habit on seeing a person is, as you know, to run as fast as possible in the other direction.
Not to say lynx aren't dangerous if trapped and *forced* to fight - grabbing a wildcat isn't exactly safe.
But they are not the stuff of nightmares, walking through the woods. If I see a bear, I get afraid - I back away slowly. If I see a coyote, I'm wary. If I see a lynx, I'm just happy - because they are so rarely seen. The thought I'd be *frightened* of one never crossed my mind.
Indeed. Where there is 1 coyote, there are almost certainly more. I've run into plenty of coyotes in Arizona of course, and while they aren't going to attack an adult, you still need to be careful around them - especially if you are out walking your dog, for example, because they WILL attack a dog.
I've seen a lynx before, in Colorado. Nothing scary about them at all. They look like a big cat, and are extremely skittish.
All the coyotes I've ever seen have been scrawny as hell. Nothing to be afraid of at all. Never seen a lynx or a bobcat. Saw a mountain lion while hiking, that was scary but there was a large group of us and it ran.
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on October 30, 2009, 01:08:35 PM
All the coyotes I've ever seen have been scrawny as hell. Nothing to be afraid of at all. Never seen a lynx or a bobcat. Saw a mountain lion while hiking, that was scary but there was a large group of us and it ran.
Mountain lions are considerably larger than lynxes - big males can be up to 200 pounds. That's almost ten times the size of big lynxes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_lion
Quote from: Malthus on October 30, 2009, 12:45:21 PM
Agreed a 24 pound cat is a fatty. But still - on average, a lynx is only about twice the size of a cat in good condition.
People, this is not a tiger. :lol:
I know. Never seen one, but I know. Doesn't mean I'd try to pet it though ;) :D
Thanks for the info
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 12:47:56 PM
Nevertheless, if you are going to be attacked by a solitary animal, I would rather it be a coyote than a lynx. A lynx, if cornered, can be damn mean, plus you have to worry about those claws.
probably a lot more agile than a coyote, also. And coyotes are known cowards.
Quote from: Berkut on October 30, 2009, 01:04:50 PM
Indeed. Where there is 1 coyote, there are almost certainly more. I've run into plenty of coyotes in Arizona of course, and while they aren't going to attack an adult, you still need to be careful around them - especially if you are out walking your dog, for example, because they WILL attack a dog.
I've seen a lynx before, in Colorado. Nothing scary about them at all. They look like a big cat, and are extremely skittish.
Pretty well exactly my experience. You see coyotes, you get wary of anything that can be grabbed - if you have a dog, get wary of the dog.
I've only ever seen the rear end of lyxes, disappearing into the bush.
I'll add that I've encountered black bears plenty of times and each encounter was similar - we both backed off and went back the way we came.
The most dangerous animal you are likely to encounter up here is a male moose in mating season. They will *typically* go for you, try to stomp the shit out of you - or at least scare you into running. I've not personally been chased myself, but I've known it to happen to plenty of people I know.
Quote from: Malthus on October 30, 2009, 01:00:54 PM
The lynx certainly knows that - their invariable habit on seeing a person is, as you know, to run as fast as possible in the other direction.
well, nearly all solitary animals have this habit in front of humans.
The only one I can think of that won't run but will either not move or run toward you is a bear, the black ones, the brown ones or the white ones.
Quote from: Malthus on October 30, 2009, 01:19:07 PM
The most dangerous animal you are likely to encounter up here is a male moose in mating season. They will *typically* go for you, try to stomp the shit out of you - or at least scare you into running. I've not personally been chased myself, but I've known it to happen to plenty of people I know.
Moose are dangerous and I avoid getting near them, but I'm far more afraid of bison.
I am mostly afraid of killer whales. Those guys are mean.
And bees.
And Ted Kennedy when he is drunk.
Quote from: Berkut on October 30, 2009, 01:33:38 PM
I am mostly afraid of killer whales. Those guys are mean.
And bees.
And Ted Kennedy when he is drunk.
Yeah, but how often do you encounter a Kennedy in its natural habitat? They are an endangered species. :P
Wtf was this bitch doing in the middle of nowhere walking around? Probably looking for "inspiration" or something. :rolleyes:
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on October 30, 2009, 01:32:54 PM
Moose are dangerous and I avoid getting near them, but I'm far more afraid of bison.
:huh:
I'm afraid of bison in that they are huge, dark, and totally unafraid to stand in the middle of the highway. However absent collissions with cars, and I've never heard of a bison being agressive with a person.
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 02:11:23 PM
I'm afraid of bison in that they are huge, dark, and totally unafraid to stand in the middle of the highway. However absent collissions with cars, and I've never heard of a bison being agressive with a person.
People get gored by bison in Yellowstone every year. They cause more injuries than any other animal.
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on October 30, 2009, 02:31:34 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 02:11:23 PM
I'm afraid of bison in that they are huge, dark, and totally unafraid to stand in the middle of the highway. However absent collissions with cars, and I've never heard of a bison being agressive with a person.
People get gored by bison in Yellowstone every year. They cause more injuries than any other animal.
Damn Ex Vice Presidents. :mad:
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 30, 2009, 02:43:57 PM
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on October 30, 2009, 02:31:34 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 02:11:23 PM
I'm afraid of bison in that they are huge, dark, and totally unafraid to stand in the middle of the highway. However absent collissions with cars, and I've never heard of a bison being agressive with a person.
People get gored by bison in Yellowstone every year. They cause more injuries than any other animal.
Damn Ex Vice Presidents. :mad:
:bowler:
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 30, 2009, 02:43:57 PM
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on October 30, 2009, 02:31:34 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 02:11:23 PM
I'm afraid of bison in that they are huge, dark, and totally unafraid to stand in the middle of the highway. However absent collissions with cars, and I've never heard of a bison being agressive with a person.
People get gored by bison in Yellowstone every year. They cause more injuries than any other animal.
Damn Ex Vice Presidents. :mad:
It's an inconvenient truth. :D
Quote from: Berkut on October 30, 2009, 12:47:31 PM
A lynx is probably incapable of killing a human being - they don't have the teeth necessary to inflict a fatal wound, unless they managed to fasten on to your neck or something.
A lynx...seriously people. It is a big cat. I don't think I would enjoy a rabid one caoming at me or something, lots of sharp claws and teeth, but they are hardly going to really hurt you beyond some nasty scratches.
Even a house cat can be dangerous enough when sufficiently provoked. I have a $9000 hospital bill and a hand that still hurts when it rains to remind me of that
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 02:11:23 PM:huh:
I'm afraid of bison in that they are huge, dark, and totally unafraid to stand in the middle of the highway. However absent collissions with cars, and I've never heard of a bison being agressive with a person.
When bison are spooked, they run. In a big herd. In whatever direction they're facing, which is frequently toward whatever spooked them. And they run fast, 40km/h on flattish ground. I've helped out on a bison ranch a few times. You don't mess with them.
When bobcats attack:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SxVUSqh3xo&feature=related
Look at that little bastard. :D
Quote from: Maximus on October 30, 2009, 03:34:50 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 02:11:23 PM:huh:
I'm afraid of bison in that they are huge, dark, and totally unafraid to stand in the middle of the highway. However absent collissions with cars, and I've never heard of a bison being agressive with a person.
When bison are spooked, they run. In a big herd. In whatever direction they're facing, which is frequently toward whatever spooked them. And they run fast, 40km/h on flattish ground. I've helped out on a bison ranch a few times. You don't mess with them.
Fair enough.
Quote from: Maximus on October 30, 2009, 03:34:50 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 02:11:23 PM:huh:
I'm afraid of bison in that they are huge, dark, and totally unafraid to stand in the middle of the highway. However absent collissions with cars, and I've never heard of a bison being agressive with a person.
When bison are spooked, they run. In a big herd. In whatever direction they're facing, which is frequently toward whatever spooked them. And they run fast, 40km/h on flattish ground. I've helped out on a bison ranch a few times. You don't mess with them.
Yeah, and in Yellowstone they've been known to turn over cars that have honked at them when they're too close.
Quote from: Jaron on October 30, 2009, 02:10:03 PM
Wtf was this bitch doing in the middle of nowhere walking around? Probably looking for "inspiration" or something. :rolleyes:
She was probably attacked because she was menstruating.
Coyotes, as natural scavengers, will go after a rotten tuna salad sub in a heartbeat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SmISPp7ENM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on October 30, 2009, 07:13:01 PM
Yeah, and in Yellowstone they've been known to turn over cars that have honked at them when they're too close.
And when the Lakers win, of course.
Quote from: Maximus on October 30, 2009, 03:28:41 PM
Even a house cat can be dangerous enough when sufficiently provoked. I have a $9000 hospital bill and a hand that still hurts when it rains to remind me of that
How in the fuck did you manage that? You must have been an adult, since you couldn't have run up a $9,000 hospital bill in Canada.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 29, 2009, 09:27:48 PM
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 29, 2009, 09:08:40 PM
I think maybe something happened to her first and the coyotes just defiled her corpse as is their habit with corpses.
If you read the article you would know that other hikers heard her screams for help, came to her aid, and when the authorities arrived she was still alive.
doesn't mean the coyotes weren't preying on her because she'd fallen/been mugged or something and was lying prone and delicious looking.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 30, 2009, 10:07:34 PM
and was lying prone and delicious looking.
She'd have been safe with you then.
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 04:57:05 PM
Quote from: Maximus on October 30, 2009, 03:34:50 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 02:11:23 PM:huh:
I'm afraid of bison in that they are huge, dark, and totally unafraid to stand in the middle of the highway. However absent collissions with cars, and I've never heard of a bison being agressive with a person.
When bison are spooked, they run. In a big herd. In whatever direction they're facing, which is frequently toward whatever spooked them. And they run fast, 40km/h on flattish ground. I've helped out on a bison ranch a few times. You don't mess with them.
Fair enough.
Near Pincher Creek a Bison killed a retired lawyer/oilman in August of this year. He was out walking in the field and the Bison gored him to death.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/08/02/calgary-man-bison.html
Quote from: PRC on October 31, 2009, 12:21:37 AM
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 04:57:05 PM
Quote from: Maximus on October 30, 2009, 03:34:50 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 30, 2009, 02:11:23 PM:huh:
I'm afraid of bison in that they are huge, dark, and totally unafraid to stand in the middle of the highway. However absent collissions with cars, and I've never heard of a bison being agressive with a person.
When bison are spooked, they run. In a big herd. In whatever direction they're facing, which is frequently toward whatever spooked them. And they run fast, 40km/h on flattish ground. I've helped out on a bison ranch a few times. You don't mess with them.
Fair enough.
Near Pincher Creek a Bison killed a retired lawyer/oilman in August of this year. He was out walking in the field and the Bison gored him to death.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/08/02/calgary-man-bison.html
Bison are harmless - I am sure what happened is that the Bison was attacked by a bobcat, and accidentally gored the guy while trying to run away.
Bobcats are bad asses.