Coyote encounters are becoming more common as these adaptable predators thrive in urban and suburban areas across North America. Though generally wary of humans, coyotes can grow bolder when food or shelter is readily available.
Here are 12 strategies to safely handle coyote encounters, protect your family and pets, and foster peaceful coexistence with these intelligent canids.
1. Stay Calm & Stand Your Ground
Never run away from a coyote, as this might trigger their chase instinct. Instead, maintain your composure and face the animal directly. These naturally timid creatures typically avoid human contact and will often retreat when confronted.
Your confident stance sends a clear message that you’re not prey. While coyotes rarely attack humans, they may become bolder if they sense fear or weakness.
2. Make Yourself Look Big
Raise your arms above your head and spread your jacket wide if you’re wearing one. This technique, known as hazing, helps establish dominance through visual intimidation.
Creating an imposing presence is particularly effective because coyotes are naturally cautious around larger creatures. Wave your arms slowly and deliberately while maintaining your enlarged posture.
3. Create Loud Noises
Bang pots and pans together, blow an air horn or shout in a deep, authoritative voice. The sudden burst of noise helps reinforce the coyote’s natural wariness of humans.
Varied sounds work best, so alternate between different noise-making techniques. Whistles, bells, or even a “coyote shaker” made from a sealed can filled with coins can be effective deterrents.
4. Remove Food Attractants
Clear away any potential food sources, including pet food, fallen fruit, and birdseed beneath feeders. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will return to areas where they’ve found food before.
Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids and clean up any food scraps around your yard. Even small amounts of accessible food can attract these clever predators.
5. Protect Your Pets
Keep pets in fenced areas or covered kennels, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. Never leave small pets unsupervised outdoors.
When walking dogs, keep them on a short leash and carry deterrent tools like noise makers or spray bottles filled with water and vinegar.
6. Install Motion-Activated Lights
Set up bright yard lights with motion sensors around your property. Sudden illumination can startle and discourage coyotes from entering your space.
These lighting systems serve a dual purpose by also alerting you to nighttime activity in your yard. Position lights strategically near potential entry points and areas where pets might be kept.
7. Maintain Your Yard
Trim dense vegetation and remove brush piles where coyotes might hide. Keep your grass short and eliminate potential denning sites near your home.
Regular yard maintenance reduces cover for both coyotes and their natural prey, making your property less attractive to these wild canines.
8. Use Deterrent Sprays
Apply commercial coyote repellents around your property’s perimeter. A mixture of water and vinegar can also serve as a natural deterrent when sprayed directly at a coyote.
Reapply deterrents regularly, especially after rain, to maintain their effectiveness. Focus application on areas where coyotes are most likely to enter your property.
9. Protect Children
Always supervise young children outdoors and teach them appropriate responses to coyote encounters. Keep play areas well-lit and away from natural boundaries where coyotes might travel.
Educate children about coyote safety without instilling unnecessary fear. Show them how to make themselves look big and make noise if they encounter a coyote.
10. Report Aggressive Behavior
Document and report any unusually bold or aggressive coyote behavior to local animal control authorities. Keep track of encounter times and locations to help authorities identify pattern behaviors.
Prompt reporting helps wildlife officials monitor problem animals and take appropriate action when necessary. Share information with neighbors to keep the community informed and vigilant.
11. Install Proper Fencing
Construct fences at least six feet tall with buried extensions to prevent digging. Ensure there are no gaps or weak points that could allow coyotes to squeeze through.
Regular fence maintenance is crucial for keeping these agile animals out. Add roller bars or coyote rollers to the top of the fencing for extra protection.
12. Create Community Awareness
Work with neighbors to establish consistent coyote deterrent practices throughout your neighborhood. Coordinated efforts are more effective than individual actions.
Share information about proper garbage management and pet protection with your community. Organized neighborhood responses help maintain coyotes’ natural wariness of human areas.
Coexisting with coyotes requires a balanced approach of respect, awareness, and proper precautions. By implementing these 12 essential strategies, you can effectively protect your property, pets, and family while allowing these animals to maintain their natural behaviors at a safe distance.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.