Coyotes are adaptable wild animals found across various environments. While they generally avoid human contact, coyotes can bite humans, though such incidents are uncommon. These intelligent, opportunistic animals can sometimes interact with people in ways that lead to conflict.
How Common Are Coyote Bites?
Coyote bites on humans are rare, and serious injuries from such encounters are even less frequent. A study from 1960 to 2006 documented 142 reported coyote attack incidents in the United States and Canada, involving 159 victims. This number is relatively low compared to bites from domestic animals; for example, Cook County recorded no coyote bites in a year where domestic dogs accounted for thousands. Although rare, some reports indicate an increasing frequency of coyote attacks, particularly in areas like California.
Understanding Why Coyotes Bite
Coyotes typically bite humans due to specific circumstances rather than unprovoked aggression. Habituation is a primary reason, occurring when coyotes lose their natural fear of people, often because they are fed by humans. This can lead them to associate humans with food, causing bold approaches and potentially aggressive behavior.
Illness, particularly rabies, can drastically alter a coyote’s behavior; a rabid animal may appear disoriented, stagger, or show unusual tameness or unprovoked aggression. Less commonly, coyotes might also act defensively if they perceive a threat to their young or territory, especially during breeding (January-March) or pup-rearing (April-May) seasons. Predatory behavior, though very rare, can occur if coyotes mistake small children or pets for prey, disproportionately affecting children. Human provocation, such as cornering a coyote or approaching a den, can also trigger a defensive bite.
Strategies for Preventing Bites
To minimize potential conflicts with coyotes, adopt several preventative measures. Eliminating attractants around homes is crucial. Secure trash bins with tight lids, avoid leaving pet food outdoors, and promptly pick up fallen fruit. These actions reduce food sources that might draw coyotes into residential areas.
Protecting pets is another important strategy, as coyotes can view small dogs and cats as potential prey. Keep pets on a leash, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active, and supervise them outdoors to prevent encounters. Never feed coyotes, directly or indirectly, as this is paramount to prevent habituation and increased boldness.
Hazing techniques are effective for reinforcing a coyote’s natural wariness. If a coyote approaches, make yourself appear large by waving arms, yelling, or using noisemakers to scare them away. Continuously haze the coyote until it leaves to re-establish its fear of people. Young children should always be supervised when outdoors in areas where coyotes are present.
Responding to a Coyote Bite
If a coyote bite occurs, immediate steps are necessary to address the injury and potential health risks. The wound should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water to prevent infection. Prompt medical attention is essential for professional evaluation, as a healthcare professional can assess the wound’s depth and determine the need for antibiotics or other treatments.
Since wild animals, including coyotes, can carry rabies, a medical professional will also assess the risk of rabies and may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes a series of vaccinations. Reporting the incident to local animal control or wildlife authorities is also important. This helps officials monitor coyote behavior, identify potential public safety concerns, and track the prevalence of diseases like rabies in the local wildlife population. After a bite, do not pursue or attempt to capture the coyote.