Let coyotes denning at Eramosa Karst ‘feel safe in their home’: HCA

Residents are being asked to avoid the coyotes who have taken residence near a popular east Hamilton Mountain natural area.

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) issued a release Friday warning hikers, dog walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts about a coyote spotted displaying territorial behaviour at Eramosa Karst.

The plea from HCA asks prospective visitors - especially dog walkers - to avoid the area, specifically the north side of the conservation area.

Dogs could be threatening to coyotes in their home territory - they must always be leashed inside conservation areas regardless of coyote activity, the release says.

Until more is known" hikers and walkers are also being asked to stay away to let wildlife feel safe in their home," HCA customer services director Gord Costie wrote in the release.

At times the wildlife in our conservation areas needs space from people and their pets," he added.

Though coyotes are generally nonconfrontational they are also curious, highly intelligent and opportunistic. Residents should avoid leaving food or food waste for coyotes to find.

Do not approach them.

Coyotes generally produce a litter in April or May. At the age of three weeks, puppies start to emerge from the den. By about six weeks, the pups are weaned and the family moves on.

The conservation authority hopes that residents will be patient and leave the coyotes alone.

This is a wildlife species that is important and has an positive impact on this area's biodiversity and ecological integrity," HCA says.

Jeremy Kemeny is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach him via email: jkemeny@thespec.com