Keeping safe from coyotes: Hamilton has tips
Coyotes 'non-confrontational by nature,' city says
After recent attacks on Hamilton dogs, the city has released a series of tips for keeping your pets safe from coyotes.
"Hamilton is a city that has coyotes," the city said in a press release. "While the coyotes sighting this year are on par from those of last year...there have been some attacks on pets."
Keep your pooch close
People should take "some reasonable precautions" while walking their dog, said Ken Leendertse, director of licensing and by-law services, in the release.
"Keep your pet leashed and near you," he said. "Avoid walking your dog during heightened coyote activity times, which is dusk and dawn."
Don't leave small children or pets unattended in yards where coyotes are known to be active, the city said.
Earlier this week, a coyote reportedly snatched a Chihuahua near Van Wagner's Beach.
In early September, a coyote took a Yorkie from a backyard along the escarpment area, Animal Services said. In October a pack of coyotes attacked a Goldendoodle by the Bruce Trail in the Ancaster area.
Animal Services said the number of incidents this year is not abnormal.
Coyotes generally shy
The city says coyotes are generally shy animals that are curious, non-confrontational, and aren't at a high risk for rabies.
"These animals can live very close to humans and never be seen," the city said. While leafless trees means more people might see coyotes during the winter, they're here all year round.
I see a coyote. What do I do?
If a coyote approaches you, stay calm and never try to run (they can probably outrun you).
"Coyotes can run for long periods of time and can cover a range of 10 -15 km easily," the city said in its release.
Make loud noises and try to appear larger by stretching out your arms and legs, the city said.
Use a flashlight or umbrella
You can discourage a coyote from approaching you by flashing a flashlight in a coyote's eyes, the city said. Or try deterring a coyote by opening and closing an umbrella, it said.
Other city tips include carrying a whistle and blowing it loudly and continuously, and carrying a cell phone and calling for help if you need it.
'Coyote-proof' your house
Don't condition a coyote to live close to you, the city said. These animals are smart and adaptable, the city said, which means they may come back again and again if you leave out food or don't secure your garbage.
Bird feeders can also be an issue—they'll attract other wildlife, which could then attract coyotes. The city also said to keep your cat inside.
Abnormal behaviour
If you see a sick of injured wild animal, call Hamilton Animal Services—and never approach a sick coyote on your own, the city said.
Keep an eye out for abnormal coyote behaviour, like if it acts confused or disoriented or tries to fight or attack non-living things.
It's also abnormal for a coyote to be limping, seeming paralyzed or dragging its rear legs, the city said.
It's also abnormal for a coyote to come out from a safe park or ravine area into a home or building, or to a barn with livestock, the city said.
You might see a coyote with large patches of missing fur and heavily crusted areas on the legs that might be cracked and bleeding, the city said. That is a condition called mange and it is contagious among other coyotes, the city said. It adds that the condition is caused by a mange mite and is "virtually impossible to treat in wild populations."
Know your coyote
Coyotes are smart, adaptable, and have a strong sense of smell, hearing and sight, the city said.
They don't hibernate during the winter, and you could see them during day or night.
They eat small mammals and rodents, like mice, rabbits, shrews and small foxes. And you may have reason to thank a coyote: the city says they play an important role in naturally controlling rodents.
Other than humans, coyotes do not have any known enemies.
Coyotes like mixed farm areas, swampland, parks and park-like valleys, the city said, and they live in secluded places along stream banks, ravines or sandy ridges.
They breed from late January to March and young coyotes usually stay with their parents until the fall.
This time of year, young coyotes are spreading out to find their own territory and are learning to survive on their own, said Robert Bauer, rabies coordinator with Animal Services.
There have been 317 coyote sightings reported in Hamilton so far in 2018. There were 479 sightings reported last year.