Hamiltonians told to keep an eye out for coyotes and don’t feed them

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Published June 5, 2020 at 5:57 pm

The City of Hamilton is warning that there have been several sightings of coyotes around the city and there are a few things residents need to know to keep safe.

The City of Hamilton is warning that there have been several sightings of coyotes around the city and there are a few things residents need to know to keep safe.

First of all, the city urges residents to not feed them because it will keep them coming back for more, according to a video posted to the city’s website.

Coyotes are typically spotted in wooded areas, near hydro fields, properties along ravines, or areas under construction where coyotes used to reside, the city’s website says.

Also, it’s important to ensure that food is disposed of properly around your property because you could otherwise attract rodents which will, in turn, attract coyotes.

Also, bird feeders have a tendency to attract rodents and by default coyotes.

“In urban areas, they damage garden crops, go through garbage and prey on pets such as cats and small dogs,” the city’s website says.

In rural areas, coyotes have been known to go after sheep, calves and poultry animals.

The city says to protect your property, a fence that is at least six-feet high will help keep them out and make sure that pets aren’t left unattended in the yard.

The Hamilton Conservation Authority has reported coyote sightings in the past at many of their sights and they say dogs should be leashed at all times for this reason.

“Although it is not within a coyote’s nature to confront humans, continuous threats and antagonism brought on by unleashed dogs can agitate a coyote and cause them to become aggressive with the dog to protect themselves and their territory,” the HCA says on their website.

If you cross paths with a coyote, the city suggests that you should:

  • Stay calm if a coyote approaches you and wait until they move on.
  • Shout, clap your hands together or make a loud noise to scare coyotes away.
  • Tell your children to stay away from coyotes and other wildlife.
  • Call Animal Services at 905-574-3433 to report injured or dead wildlife.

There have been a few notable coyote sightings, including this one in West Hamilton in January.

Photo courtesy Jitze Couperus via Flickr

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