Coyotes, adaptable and widespread North American canids, increasingly share landscapes with human populations. While generally cautious toward people, instances of coyotes attacking humans, though uncommon, can occur. Understanding these rare interactions helps foster coexistence and ensure safety.
Frequency and Nature of Attacks
Coyote attacks on humans are statistically infrequent. Between 1960 and 2006, 142 incidents involving 159 victims were reported in the U.S. and Canada, mostly predatory or investigative. For perspective, domestic pets cause significantly more bites annually; Cook County reported 3,822 domestic pet bites in 2013, compared to no recorded coyote bites on humans. Serious injuries or fatalities from coyote attacks are exceedingly rare.
These rare encounters typically involve minor nips or bites, not severe maulings. Most coyote interactions do not escalate to physical contact. Bites are often linked to specific behavioral changes in coyotes, deviating from their natural avoidance of humans.
Factors Contributing to Attacks
A primary factor contributing to coyote attacks is habituation, where coyotes lose their natural fear of humans due to repeated positive associations, often involving food. Intentional feeding, such as leaving out bait, or unintentional feeding, like unsecured pet food or garbage, can lead coyotes to associate human presence with an easy meal. This diminished wariness can cause coyotes to approach people more boldly and even test them as potential food sources, a behavior known as investigative attacks.
Coyotes may also exhibit defensive behaviors, particularly when protecting their pups or den sites. During denning season, typically in the spring, adult coyotes can become more territorial and aggressive towards perceived threats, including humans or pets that venture too close. Such defensive actions are an attempt to deter intruders from their young, rather than an aggressive intent to prey on humans.
Disease, especially rabies, can also alter a coyote’s natural behavior, making them less fearful and more aggressive. While rabid coyote attacks are uncommon, they can occur and are characterized by unusual aggression, lack of fear, or other neurological symptoms. Some individual coyotes may also display unusually bold or aggressive tendencies without clear external triggers, though this is not typical of the species.
Preventing Encounters and Attacks
Preventing encounters with coyotes involves removing attractants and reinforcing their natural wariness of humans. Securing all food sources is paramount: keep pet food indoors, ensure trash bins have tightly secured lids, and clean up fallen fruit or birdseed. Eliminating these easy food sources discourages coyotes from frequenting residential areas.
Supervising pets, especially small dogs and cats, is important, as coyotes may view them as prey. Keep dogs on a leash, ideally 6 feet or shorter, and do not allow pets to roam unattended, particularly at night. If a coyote is spotted, picking up a small pet immediately can prevent an escalation.
Employ hazing techniques whenever a coyote is seen to help maintain their natural fear of people. This involves making oneself appear large, making loud noises (yelling or clapping), and throwing small objects (sticks or rocks) towards the animal, though not directly at it. Consistency in hazing by multiple individuals can reinforce this aversion. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also deter coyotes from entering yards.
Responding to a Coyote Encounter
If a direct encounter with a coyote occurs, particularly one that appears unafraid or approaches, remain calm and assertive. Never turn and run, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms overhead or opening your jacket.
Make loud noises by yelling, shouting in a deep voice, or using a whistle or air horn. Throw objects like sticks, rocks, or a can filled with pennies towards the coyote to scare it away, but avoid hitting it directly. Maintain eye contact while slowly backing away, but do not turn your back until it has left the area.
If the coyote continues to approach or exhibits aggressive behaviors (growling, snarling, or lunging), continue hazing and move towards a safe indoor or populated area. Report any aggressive, bold, or seemingly sick coyotes to local animal control or wildlife authorities promptly. This helps authorities monitor coyote behavior and intervene for public safety.