Coyotes are highly adaptable wild canids that have expanded their range across much of North America, becoming a common presence even in urban and suburban environments. Their ability to thrive near human populations often raises questions about potential interactions. A frequent concern for many is whether these animals might attack humans. While such incidents are uncommon, understanding the circumstances surrounding them can help foster safer coexistence.
The Reality of Coyote Attacks
Coyote attacks on humans are rare. Most interactions between coyotes and people are benign, as these animals generally exhibit a natural wariness and avoid human contact. When attacks do happen, they are typically not fatal and often involve minor injuries. Historically, only two confirmed fatal coyote attacks on humans have occurred in the United States and Canada: a 3-year-old child in California in 1981 and a 19-year-old adult in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2009. Despite their rarity, reports of coyote attacks have shown a slight increase in some regions, particularly in California.
Why Attacks Occur
Coyote attacks on humans stem from specific behavioral changes rather than typical wild instincts. A primary factor is habituation, where coyotes lose their natural fear of people due to repeated interactions without any negative consequences. This habituation is often directly linked to the availability of human-associated food sources, whether from intentional feeding by people or accidental access to pet food, garbage, or compost. When coyotes learn to associate human presence with an easy meal, they may become bolder and approach people more readily.
Coyotes may also act defensively if they perceive a threat to their den sites or their young, particularly during the pupping season, which typically occurs from April through May. Although infrequent, rabid coyotes can exhibit uncharacteristic aggression or neurological signs, such as disorientation or paralysis, leading to attacks. In some rare instances, small children or unattended pets might be mistaken for prey, especially if they are small and moving quickly.
Minimizing Risk
Preventing coyote encounters and reducing the potential for conflict involves implementing several practical measures around human residences. It is important to never intentionally feed coyotes, and ensure that pet food and water bowls are not left outdoors, especially overnight. All trash cans should have tight-fitting lids and be secured, ideally placed out for collection only on the morning of pickup to prevent coyotes from accessing discarded food. Removing fallen fruit from trees and keeping areas around bird feeders clean can also help, as these attract rodents and other small prey that coyotes hunt.
Supervising pets, particularly smaller breeds, when they are outdoors is important, as coyotes may view them as potential prey or competition. Dogs should always be kept on a leash, especially during dawn and dusk, which are peak activity times for coyotes. Employing hazing techniques can effectively reinforce a coyote’s natural avoidance of humans. This involves making yourself appear larger, creating loud noises, or throwing objects near the coyote until it retreats.
What To Do During an Encounter
If a coyote approaches you, maintaining composure is important to ensure safety. Avoid running away, as this action can trigger a coyote’s natural chase instinct, potentially escalating the encounter. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms overhead or opening a jacket. Simultaneously, make loud noises by shouting, clapping your hands, or using a whistle or air horn to deter the animal.
Consider throwing small objects like sticks or rocks towards the coyote, aiming to land them near the animal to startle it without causing injury. Maintain eye contact with the coyote and slowly back away, avoiding turning your back until the animal completely retreats from the area. If the coyote continues to show interest or follow, persist with hazing until it leaves entirely. Any unusually bold, aggressive, or fearless coyote behavior should be reported to local animal control or wildlife authorities promptly.