10 Smells That Attract Coyotes to Your Yard

Coyotes, those cunning and adaptable creatures, have been making their presence felt in suburban areas more than ever. While spotting one in your yard might be thrilling or terrifying, depending on your perspective, it’s crucial to understand what draws these wily canines to our spaces.

If you’ve been wondering why a coyote has chosen your yard as its new favorite hangout, it might have something to do with certain scents. Here are 10 smells that can attract coyotes to your yard and how you can avoid inadvertently rolling out the welcome mat for these elusive visitors.

1. The Temptation of Food Waste

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Coyotes are opportunistic eaters with a keen sense of smell, and food waste is often an irresistible invitation. This includes kitchen scraps, leftovers, and even pet food left outside.

When you toss food scraps into the garbage or compost, the smell can travel significant distances, enticing coyotes to come closer. Studies have shown that coyotes can smell food from over a mile away, making unsecured trash a major attractant. It’s not just the scent of meat or dairy; even fruit peels and bread can pique their interest. (ref)

To keep coyotes at bay, ensure your garbage cans are securely sealed. If possible, store them in a garage or shed until pick-up day. Enclosed compost bins that minimize odor emissions can also be used to compost food scraps more safely.

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2. Pet Food: An Easy Feast

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Leaving pet food outside, whether for your pets or strays, is another major draw for coyotes. The smell of kibble or canned food is a beacon for these hungry animals.

Pet food is highly nutritious and calorie-dense, making it an attractive and easy meal for coyotes. When left outside overnight, it’s essentially a buffet that coyotes can’t resist. Even feeding pets indoors but near an open window can attract these predators if the scent wafts outside.

To avoid this, feed pets indoors and promptly remove any uneaten food. Store pet food in airtight containers to prevent the scent from escaping and attracting unwanted wildlife.

3. Grilled Delights Left Uncleaned

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After a cookout, the lingering smell of grilled meat can lure coyotes into your yard. Residue and grease left on the grill act as a magnet for these scavengers.

Coyotes are known to be particularly attracted to the smell of cooked meat and fat. A grill that hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned can emit strong odors that coyotes will follow. This is especially true if you’ve grilled high-fat foods like burgers or sausages.

It is essential to clean your grill thoroughly after each use. Scrape off any remnants, and if possible, store the grill in a garage or shed when not in use to minimize the scent.

4. The Allure of Fallen Fruit

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Fruit trees can be a delightful addition to your yard, but the smell of fallen, rotting fruit can be a major attractant for coyotes. They are not picky eaters and will consume various fruits.

Ripe or overripe fruit emits strong, sugary scents that can attract a variety of wildlife, including coyotes. The fallen fruit can ferment, producing even stronger smells that can draw animals from considerable distances.

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Check your yard regularly for fallen fruit and dispose of it promptly. Harvesting fruit as soon as it ripens and using tree nets can also help minimize this issue.

5. Bird Feeders: A Hidden Invitation

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While bird feeders are great for attracting feathered friends, they can also attract coyotes. The seeds and nuts, as well as the small animals they attract, can lure coyotes into your yard.

Spilled birdseed can attract rodents, which in turn attract coyotes looking for an easy meal. Even the scent of seeds and nuts alone can be enough to catch a coyote’s attention, leading them to explore your yard more thoroughly.

Consider placing bird feeders in locations that are less accessible to coyotes, and clean up any spilled seed regularly. Using squirrel-proof feeders can also reduce the chances of attracting coyotes.

6. Unsecured Trash: A Coyote’s Jackpot

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Much like food waste, unsecured trash cans can be a significant source of attraction for coyotes. The combination of various smells from different types of waste can be irresistible.

Trash cans that are not properly sealed can release a cocktail of scents that travel far and wide. Coyotes, driven by their incredible sense of smell, can detect these odors and will often rummage through trash in search of food.

To prevent this, use sturdy, animal-proof trash cans and always ensure the lids are tightly secured. If possible, keep trash cans indoors or in a secure area until trash day.

7. Compost Piles: Nature’s Smorgasbord

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Composting is great for the environment, but open compost piles can attract coyotes. The smell of decomposing organic matter is a strong attractant.

Even compost piles that primarily contain plant material can produce odors that attract coyotes. The breakdown process releases smells that signal an easy meal to these opportunistic feeders. Meat or dairy in compost piles is especially problematic, as these scents are particularly enticing to coyotes.

To mitigate this risk, use enclosed compost bins designed to minimize odors and deter wildlife. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to your compost pile.

8. Dog Feces: An Unexpected Draw

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It might surprise you, but dog feces can attract coyotes. The smell can signal a food source or the presence of another animal.

Coyotes are known to investigate dog feces, likely because it can contain undigested food particles. Additionally, the presence of dog feces can indicate a potential competitor or mate, prompting coyotes to explore further.

Clean up after your pets regularly and dispose of waste in sealed bags. This simple practice can significantly reduce the likelihood of attracting coyotes to your yard.

9. Scent Markers: A Call to Coyotes

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Coyotes are territorial animals, and the scent markers left by your pets can attract them. Urine and other scent markers can signal the presence of other animals, drawing coyotes into your yard.

Coyotes use scent marking to communicate with each other, and they are naturally curious about the scent marks left by domestic dogs. (ref) This can lead them to investigate yards where pets frequently roam and mark their territory.

To minimize this, consider limiting where your pets roam and marking their territory. You can also use commercial coyote repellents that mask or neutralize pet scent markers.

10. Gardens & Plants: An Unexpected Invitation

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Certain plants and garden items can attract coyotes, especially those with strong smells or that attract other wildlife.

Gardens with vegetables and herbs can attract coyotes, particularly if they are frequented by small animals like rabbits or rodents that coyotes prey on. Additionally, plants with strong odors, such as mint or basil, can pique their curiosity.

To reduce this risk, fence off your garden and consider using plants that are less attractive to wildlife. Regular maintenance and cleanliness in your garden area can also help deter coyotes from investigating.

Understanding what attracts coyotes to your yard can help you take proactive measures to prevent unwanted encounters. By managing food waste, securing trash, and being mindful of other scent sources, you can make your yard less appealing to these clever canines.

Coexisting with wildlife requires awareness and action, so take these steps to keep coyotes at a safe distance.

davin
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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.