Coyotes, highly adaptable canids, are increasingly present in human-populated areas across North America. True unprovoked aggression towards humans is rare. Coyotes are generally wary of people, preferring to avoid direct interaction. However, specific circumstances can lead to bold or aggressive behaviors, making it important for individuals to understand these animals and how to coexist safely.
Understanding Coyote Behavior Towards Humans
Coyotes typically exhibit a natural caution around humans, a behavior that helps them survive in diverse environments. When encountering people, their usual response is to observe from a distance, flee, or display curiosity rather than hostility. This wariness is ingrained, as humans are perceived as a threat.
Even in urban and suburban landscapes, coyotes often remain reclusive, conducting most of their activities during twilight hours or at night to minimize human contact. Sightings during the day, particularly in spring and summer, can occur when they are actively seeking food for their young, but this does not inherently signal aggression. Their interest in human activity indicates mild curiosity.
Factors Contributing to Aggressive Encounters
While rare, coyote aggression towards humans stems from specific, often human-influenced, factors rather than inherent hostility. A primary cause is habituation, where coyotes lose their natural fear of people, frequently due to intentional or unintentional feeding. When coyotes associate humans with readily available food sources, they may become bolder, approaching individuals or properties without hesitation. This can lead to “food conditioning,” increasing their comfort around people and pets.
Another contributing factor to aggressive displays is the protection of den sites and young, especially during breeding and pup-rearing seasons from March through August. During these times, coyotes can become more territorial, perceiving humans or pets as threats to their offspring. Additionally, a coyote that is sick, injured, or rabid might exhibit uncharacteristic aggression, though rabies in coyotes is infrequently documented. In some ecological situations, they may also develop increased boldness towards humans.
Preventing Coyote Encounters
Proactive measures are effective in minimizing negative interactions with coyotes, particularly those related to food availability. Securing all food sources is important; this includes keeping pet food indoors, ensuring trash cans have tight lids, and picking up fallen fruit. Removing bird feeders can also help, as they attract rodents, which are a natural food source for coyotes.
Supervising pets is important, as small dogs and cats can be perceived as prey. Dogs should always be walked on a leash, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. Installing coyote-proof fencing, at least six feet high with an underground extension to prevent digging and roll bars on top to deter climbing, can secure yards. Hazing, which involves making coyotes feel unwelcome, helps maintain their natural wariness. This can include yelling, waving arms, or using noisemakers.
Responding to a Coyote Encounter
If a coyote approaches and does not retreat, act assertively to reinforce its natural fear of humans. Do not run, as this can trigger a chase instinct in the animal. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by standing tall, waving your arms overhead, or opening your jacket.
Make loud noises by yelling, clapping your hands, or using a whistle or air horn. Throw small objects like sticks or rocks toward the coyote, aiming to scare it without injury. Maintain eye contact and slowly back away, moving towards buildings or areas with human activity if possible. If you have a small pet, pick it up immediately. Any coyote exhibiting aggressive behaviors like growling, snarling, or lunging, or one that appears sick, should be reported to local animal control or police authorities immediately.