Coyotes are increasingly observed in human-populated environments across North America. Their presence in suburban and urban areas often sparks curiosity and concern regarding their capabilities, particularly how they interact with human structures. This leads to questions about their physical abilities and whether they can bypass common household barriers like doors. Understanding their true physical prowess helps clarify common beliefs and provides practical insights for coexistence.
The Truth About Coyote Dexterity
Coyotes are not capable of opening standard human doors that rely on mechanisms like doorknobs or latches. Their physical anatomy lacks the necessary features for such tasks. Unlike primates, coyotes do not possess opposable thumbs, which are essential for gripping and manipulating complex objects. Their paws are primarily structured for locomotion, digging, and grasping prey, rather than fine motor manipulation. These biological limitations prevent them from engaging with human-engineered latches or handles.
What Coyotes Can Do
While unable to operate door mechanisms, coyotes demonstrate remarkable agility and problem-solving skills in navigating their environment. They can readily jump over fences, with many clearing heights of 6 feet from a standing position, and some agile coyotes can even scale chain-link fences up to 14 feet high by using their paws to climb. Their strong paws also enable them to dig effectively, burrowing under fences to depths of 12 to 18 inches. Coyotes are adept at squeezing through small openings; if their head can pass through a gap, their body typically follows. They will exploit already open opportunities, such as unsecured doors, windows, or pet doors, especially if motivated by food or pets.
Why Misconceptions Persist
Misconceptions about coyotes opening doors often arise from their observed intelligence and adaptability. Coyotes exhibit problem-solving ability and persistence, allowing them to learn and adapt to new situations. When a coyote is seen entering a home, it is almost always through an already open door, window, or pet door, which can be misinterpreted as the animal having opened it. This “cleverness” attributed to wild animals, combined with anecdotal sightings, contributes to the belief they possess more advanced manipulative skills. This perception highlights their successful adaptation to urban settings, not a hidden mechanical ability.
Deterring Coyotes from Your Property
Securing property against coyotes involves understanding their capabilities and removing attractants. Removing potential food sources is important; this includes securing trash cans with locking lids, bringing pet food indoors, and picking up fallen fruit from yards. Closely supervising pets, especially small dogs, is important, as coyotes may view them as prey. Keeping pets indoors at night offers significant protection.
Reinforcing physical barriers around property also helps deter coyotes. Fences should be at least 6 feet tall, and burying mesh or extending the fence underground by 12-18 inches can prevent digging. Installing coyote rollers or inward-facing overhangs on top of fences can prevent them from climbing. Closing and locking all doors and windows, including pet doors, especially during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, eliminates easy entry points. If a coyote is observed, hazing techniques like making loud noises, waving arms, or throwing small objects can reinforce their wariness of humans.