Coyote Season is coming
What do coyotes look like? Coyotes can easily be mistaken for unleashed dogs - they
have large, upright ears and bushy tails, look a bit like small German shepherds, and have
narrow, fox-like muzzles (noses)
What areas of Hamilton have coyote activity? Coyote activity is generally reported in
open areas in the west Mountain, Stone Church, King's Forest, Garth Street and Stoney
Creek Mountain; however, recently there have been more cases reported at the beach.
What can I do to prevent coyote problems? A few tips include:_· Never approach or
feed coyotes._· Enclose your yard with a solid fence, preferably six feet high. High fences
flush to the ground or dug below grade level will help prevent coyotes from entering
yards._· Properly store and maintain garbage containers._· Don't leave pet food outside.
Coyotes are opportunists and will take advantage of easy food sources.
What should I do if I see a coyote? It's common to see coyotes in rural areas and in
urban areas located near ravines or woods. If you are walking in an area where there may
be some coyote activity make sure you walk in a small group. You can use a whistle,
personal alarm or flash light to scare coyotes away. If a coyote approaches you, stay calm
and wait until they move on, but do not run. If confronted by a coyote: yell, stamp your
feet, look big, and wave your arms to scare the coyote away. It is especially important
that children know what to do if they see a coyote.
What kinds of reports have been made about abnormal coyote interactions with
people and pets in Hamilton? In February, 2009 there have been four (4) reports in
Hamilton. There have been two reports of attacks towards small dogs and two reports of
interactions with children. The kinds of behaviour seen towards children has primarily
been following or chasing (food seeking behaviours) without any direct physical contact.
Coyotes are generally shy, cautious, and non-confrontational but can be curious.
Normally coyotes pose no danger to adults, but people should be aware there are
potential risks to pets and small children. Coyotes, by nature, are fearful of humans.
Attacks by coyotes on people are very rare (only a few documented cases in all of
Ontario) - far more uncommon compared to dog attacks on people. In all known cases of
coyote interactions with people the coyote had lost its fear of humans because people
were feeding the animals.
How can I protect my children and pets?_· Never leave children (especially small
children) unattended. _· Teach children not to approach or harass wildlife or any
unfamiliar animals._· Keep cats indoors or confined to your yard._· Ensure your dog is on
a short leash or confined to your backyard.
Who do I call about coyotes?_· If a coyote (or dog or any wild animal) is presenting an
immediate threat to public safety call Police. _· If you see a coyote that does not seem
fearful of people, or is injured or deceased please call Animal Control at 905-574-3433.
Where can I find additional information? The City of Hamilton's Animal Control:
www.hamilton.ca/animalcontrol. Animal Control has a brochure that deals with Coyote
awareness at: http://www.myhamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyr.../0/AnimalControlCoyoteInformationpamphlet.pdf
What do coyotes look like? Coyotes can easily be mistaken for unleashed dogs - they
have large, upright ears and bushy tails, look a bit like small German shepherds, and have
narrow, fox-like muzzles (noses)
What areas of Hamilton have coyote activity? Coyote activity is generally reported in
open areas in the west Mountain, Stone Church, King's Forest, Garth Street and Stoney
Creek Mountain; however, recently there have been more cases reported at the beach.
What can I do to prevent coyote problems? A few tips include:_· Never approach or
feed coyotes._· Enclose your yard with a solid fence, preferably six feet high. High fences
flush to the ground or dug below grade level will help prevent coyotes from entering
yards._· Properly store and maintain garbage containers._· Don't leave pet food outside.
Coyotes are opportunists and will take advantage of easy food sources.
What should I do if I see a coyote? It's common to see coyotes in rural areas and in
urban areas located near ravines or woods. If you are walking in an area where there may
be some coyote activity make sure you walk in a small group. You can use a whistle,
personal alarm or flash light to scare coyotes away. If a coyote approaches you, stay calm
and wait until they move on, but do not run. If confronted by a coyote: yell, stamp your
feet, look big, and wave your arms to scare the coyote away. It is especially important
that children know what to do if they see a coyote.
What kinds of reports have been made about abnormal coyote interactions with
people and pets in Hamilton? In February, 2009 there have been four (4) reports in
Hamilton. There have been two reports of attacks towards small dogs and two reports of
interactions with children. The kinds of behaviour seen towards children has primarily
been following or chasing (food seeking behaviours) without any direct physical contact.
Coyotes are generally shy, cautious, and non-confrontational but can be curious.
Normally coyotes pose no danger to adults, but people should be aware there are
potential risks to pets and small children. Coyotes, by nature, are fearful of humans.
Attacks by coyotes on people are very rare (only a few documented cases in all of
Ontario) - far more uncommon compared to dog attacks on people. In all known cases of
coyote interactions with people the coyote had lost its fear of humans because people
were feeding the animals.
How can I protect my children and pets?_· Never leave children (especially small
children) unattended. _· Teach children not to approach or harass wildlife or any
unfamiliar animals._· Keep cats indoors or confined to your yard._· Ensure your dog is on
a short leash or confined to your backyard.
Who do I call about coyotes?_· If a coyote (or dog or any wild animal) is presenting an
immediate threat to public safety call Police. _· If you see a coyote that does not seem
fearful of people, or is injured or deceased please call Animal Control at 905-574-3433.
Where can I find additional information? The City of Hamilton's Animal Control:
www.hamilton.ca/animalcontrol. Animal Control has a brochure that deals with Coyote
awareness at: http://www.myhamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyr.../0/AnimalControlCoyoteInformationpamphlet.pdf