Living with Coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are one of eight members of the Family Canidae found in Canada. Often mistaken for wolves, coyotes are smaller, have shorter legs in relation to body size, and have narrower, pointed snouts. They are a common sight across both rural and urban landscapes, and are often found living in close proximity to humans.

Coyote activity

Unlike many mammals which go into hibernation, coyotes remain active throughout fall and into the winter. Coyotes are typically most active around sunrise and sunset, but in the winter, they become more active throughout the day. This seasonal change in behavior can create the potential for more human-coyote interactions to occur.

Staying safe

We can keep ourselves, children, pets, and coyotes safe by following some simple guidelines:

Don’t feed wildlife – this includes hand feeding and creating food piles. Many problems occur from this activity including:
- Attracting unwanted animals around homes and areas occupied by people.
- Animals lose their natural fear of humans and will become more aggressive as they learn to associate people with food.
- Feeding interrupts natural foraging behaviors.
- Human foods are not suitable for wildlife; they lack proper nutrients and can cause health issues, injury or death.
- Animals may gather in unnaturally large groups which makes it easier for diseases and parasites to spread.
Avoid hiking in areas known to be inhabited by coyotes around peak activity times (e.g. sunrise, sunset).
Supervise children at all times.
Stay on marked trails.
When walking dogs, keep them on a leash and supervised at all times.
- Dogs and coyotes are close cousins; the scent of your dog may cause coyotes to become territorial.
- Regardless of size or breed, all dogs can be at risk of becoming predated or injured by coyotes.

Following the law

Feeding wildlife is prohibited in HCA conservation areas and within the City of Hamilton. It is a fineable offense under City of Hamilton by-law No. 12-130. Feeding wildlife can result in a $10,000 fine on the first offense.

Dogs must be leashed. Dog owners are required by the City of Hamilton By-law and regulations under the Conservation Authorities Act of Ontario to keep their dogs leashed at all times when visiting HCA conservation areas or public spaces.

If you see a coyote…

If you happen to cross paths with a coyote on your hike, remain calm and give it space. Coyotes typically prefer to avoid people, and chances are when it sees you, it will quickly head in the opposite direction. If you do feel threatened by a coyote, make loud noises and sudden movements to scare it away.

If you’ve ever noticed a coyote appearing to follow you or your dog during a walk, especially in spring, it may not be as threatening as it seems. This behavior is known as “escorting” — a natural and non-aggressive response, most common from early March to late April, when coyotes are protecting their young.

Coyotes may walk behind or alongside people and pets to guide them out of their territory, especially if there’s a den nearby. While it can feel unsettling, they’re not stalking with harmful intent — they’re simply being cautious parents.

Encounters like this are a good reminder to:

Keep dogs leashed and close to you,
Avoid known denning areas during pup season, and
Stay calm and give the coyote space to move on.

Understanding this seasonal behaviour helps reduce fear and supports safe, respectful coexistence with local wildlife.

In most cases, coyotes and humans can coexist with little issue as long as they are provided physical space, access to habitat, and natural food sources, and maintain a healthy apprehension of humans.

Living with Coyotes

Coyote activity

Staying safe

Become a Member!

HCA Quick Links

Conservation Areas

Activities

Join Our Mailing List!

Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.