Canadian Singer Taylor Mitchell Dies After Brutal Coyote Attack

Taylor Mitchell, an up-and-coming Canadian singer-songwriter, died after being brutally attacked by coyotes earlier this week.  The talented 19-year-old musician was performing at several locations in the Canadian Maritimes.  In between gigs on Tuesday, the Toronto-native went hiking alone in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, located in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.  Two coyotes attacked the singer while she was walking along the Skyline Trail.   

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According to reports, hikers in the area heard Mitchell’s screams and called the police.  With bite wounds covering her body and in critical condition, Mitchell was airlifted to a hospital in Halifax.  She died Wednesday morning. 

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.

The young singer had just been nominated for the Canadian Folk Music Awards’ Young Performer of the Year, just days before her death.

Coyote photo Christopher Bruno

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