Coyotes are highly adaptable wild canids found across North America, thriving in diverse environments from wilderness to urban settings. While they are naturally wary of humans, this inherent fear can diminish, leading to increased interactions. Understanding why this happens and how to manage these encounters is important for safe coexistence.
Coyote Behavior and Fear
Coyotes typically exhibit an innate wariness toward humans, a trait that aids their survival. This natural avoidance helps them navigate their environment. However, their adaptability allows them to adjust their behavior in response to environmental changes. Repeated, non-threatening exposure to humans can lead to a phenomenon known as habituation. This means coyotes learn humans do not pose a threat, causing their natural fear to decrease. This often manifests as learned tolerance or increased boldness, as they become accustomed to human presence and activity.
Why Coyotes Lose Their Fear
Several human-related factors contribute to coyotes losing their natural wariness. A primary reason is the availability of accessible food sources in human environments. Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores; readily available pet food, unsecured garbage, fallen fruit, and birdseed can become consistent food sources. This teaches coyotes to associate human presence with easy meals, reducing their need to avoid these areas. Another significant factor is the lack of negative reinforcement, or hazing. When coyotes are not actively scared away, they learn humans pose no danger, allowing them to become increasingly bold. As human development expands into coyote habitats, increased interaction becomes inevitable.
Living with Coyotes
Proactive strategies are important for maintaining a coyote’s natural wariness and minimizing potential conflicts. Hazing is a primary method for reinforcing their fear of humans. Techniques include yelling, waving arms, using noisemakers like whistles or air horns, or throwing small objects near them. Consistency in hazing teaches coyotes that human proximity is undesirable.
Securing potential food sources is also crucial. This involves keeping pet food indoors, ensuring trash cans are securely lidded, picking up fallen fruit, and removing bird feeders. Protecting pets requires keeping them on leashes when outdoors and never leaving small pets unattended. Installing a 6-foot fence with an underground extension of at least one foot can also offer protection.
What to Do During a Coyote Encounter
If you encounter a coyote that appears bold or unafraid, specific actions can help ensure safety:
- Stand your ground and never run, as running can trigger a coyote’s chase response.
- Make yourself appear as large and intimidating as possible by waving your arms overhead and shouting loudly.
- Maintain eye contact as an effective deterrent.
- Slowly back away from the coyote, creating distance without turning your back completely.
- If the coyote continues to approach or exhibits aggressive behavior, report the incident to local animal control or wildlife authorities.