Coyotes are common across Michigan’s diverse landscapes, from dense forests to urban neighborhoods. While their presence often raises questions about safety, serious incidents involving coyotes and humans are infrequent. Understanding their natural behaviors and how human activities can influence them helps foster safer coexistence.
Understanding Coyote Behavior
Coyotes in Michigan are typically elusive animals that prefer to avoid human contact. They are active both day and night, though their activity often peaks around sunrise and sunset. These animals are highly adaptable, thriving in various environments, including populated areas.
Their diet is opportunistic, consisting primarily of small mammals like mice, rabbits, and squirrels. Coyotes also consume insects, fruits, berries, and carrion. In urban and suburban settings, they are drawn to accessible food sources such as garbage, garden produce, and outdoor pet food.
Coyotes are naturally wary of people. However, this natural shyness can diminish if they become accustomed to human presence, especially when food is readily available. This habituation can lead to bolder behavior, where coyotes might approach residential areas more frequently.
Assessing the Risk to Humans and Pets
The risk of a coyote attacking a human in Michigan is exceedingly low. There are no documented injuries to humans from coyotes within the state. Public health authorities indicate that bites from domestic dogs, rodents, or snakes are far more probable.
Incidents involving coyotes and humans often stem from coyotes that have lost their natural fear due to intentional or unintentional feeding. While rare, such habituated coyotes might exhibit investigative behavior or, in isolated cases, aggression.
The risk to pets, particularly small dogs and cats, is higher than to humans. Coyotes are opportunistic predators and may view unattended small pets as potential prey. Reports of coyote attacks on pets, including fatal incidents, have occurred in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) emphasizes caution, especially with small pets, and notes that territorial coyotes might engage with other canines. Coyote populations have increased since the 1970s and 1980s.
How to Prevent Negative Encounters
Securing potential food sources reduces coyote presence near homes. Pet food should be fed indoors or removed promptly after outdoor feeding. Garbage should be stored in secure, lidded containers, and compost piles should be enclosed to deter scavenging.
Protecting pets involves keeping them supervised outdoors, especially small dogs, and always on a leash. Leaving small pets unattended, particularly during dawn, dusk, or night, increases their vulnerability. Keeping cats indoors is also recommended.
Hazing techniques can help reinforce a coyote’s natural fear of humans. This involves making yourself appear large, yelling, clapping, or making other loud noises if a coyote approaches. Consistent hazing can prevent coyotes from becoming comfortable in human-dominated spaces.
Securing property with physical barriers like fences can be effective, though coyotes can clear them. Clearing dense brush and woodpiles removes potential hiding spots and reduces prey animals that might attract coyotes.
What to Do During an Encounter
If you encounter a coyote, it is important to remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms or opening a coat. Maintain eye contact to show you are not intimidated.
Make loud noises, such as yelling, clapping, or using an air horn, to startle the animal. You can also throw objects near the coyote, but not directly at it, to encourage it to leave. Pick up small children and pets immediately if a coyote is present.
Slowly back away from the coyote, creating distance without turning your back. If a coyote exhibits unusual aggression or a complete lack of fear, especially during daylight hours, report the encounter to your local public safety department or the Michigan DNR.