While out for a short ride around the town of Vanderhoof last night just before 11pm I was rushed by a coyote!
I had slowed down to cross the railway tracks down in the dark end of town, when I saw a coyote slink across the road and disappear 20 yards ahead of me in the headlight. As I passed by, the bugger ran out of the darkness on my flank, low and ears back, crossing the oncoming lane. I goosed the bike, the pipes roared and the coyote was left bewildered in the roadway... I tried to U-turn and chase him down, but he slunk off into the nearby underbrush. Glad I wasn't on a pedal bike!
Even I found this to be hard to believe. I've spent countless hours in the bush and have never had a coyote act aggressive towards me. A few minutes later I cruised back into the area to see if I could get a good look at the coyote. I passed by a nervous looking deer on the shoulder of the road. Made me wonder if the coyote had been following the deer and mistook me for fair game. I've had an eagle check me out while riding alone through the mountains before, but never a four legged predator.
