Beware of coyote 'protecting its territory' in Hamilton conservation area, officials say

Hamilton conservationists are warning visitors to the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area to keep their distance from a coyote that's been "protecting its territory."

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) says it's posted extra signage around trails and is monitoring the area for signs of the coyote.

In an online release Thursday, the HCA encouraged people to avoid the conservation area if possible, though it remains open to the public.

"HCA is asking hikers, especially dog walkers, to use extreme caution when visiting the area at this time," said Gord Costie, director of conservation area services for HCA, in an online release Thursday. 

Dogs must be leashed at all times in the area, the HCA said. Coyotes don't usually confront humans, but unleashed dogs can be perceived as a threat, the HCA said.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry warns people not to feed or approach coyotes, so they don't lose their innate fear of humans. The ministry also encourages people to secure their garbage and food in areas where coyotes have been spotted.

Coyotes primarily hunt rabbits and rodents, but are also known to scavenge and hunt livestock in human-populated areas. They can be found throughout Canada and are not uncommon in the GTHA. 

In 2022, the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area had similar reports of a territorial coyote.

That same year, a spate of seven coyote attacks in Burlington injured a few residents, alarmed the wider community and led the city to kill several coyotes it deemed responsible for attacks on people or found to be acting aggressively. Officials ultimately blamed the rise in coyote aggression on people feeding the animals. 

If you encounter a coyote, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry provides the following tips:

• Never approach or touch a coyote.
• Do not turn your back on, or run from, a coyote.
• Back away from the coyote while remaining calm.
• Stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise.
• Carry a flashlight at night to scare off coyotes.
• If a coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety, call 911.