The coyote is a highly adaptable canine that has successfully colonized urban and suburban environments across North America. Its presence near human settlements is often driven by a search for resources, but continued presence can lead to habituation. Habituation occurs when a coyote loses its natural fear of people due to repeated, non-threatening exposure, often associating human areas with easy food sources. Effective deterrence aims to reverse this learned behavior, restoring the coyote’s innate avoidance of human contact. Deterrence methods focus on making human-occupied spaces unappealing and unpredictable, teaching coyotes that proximity to people carries a negative consequence.
Eliminating Food and Shelter Attractants
The foundation of coyote deterrence involves removing the primary incentives that draw coyotes into residential areas: accessible food and secure shelter. Coyotes are opportunistic foragers, and human-associated food can account for a significant portion of their urban diet. Securing waste is paramount, requiring all garbage to be placed in durable containers with tight-fitting or locking lids. Bins should only be placed curbside on the morning of scheduled collection to minimize the time trash is available overnight.
Pet food and water bowls left outdoors are immediate attractants and should be brought inside after use, as coyotes view these items as reliable, easy meals. Unintentional food sources, such as fallen fruit, should be promptly raked up and removed from the ground. Bird feeders can also indirectly attract coyotes by drawing small prey like rodents and squirrels, so they should be removed or carefully managed to prevent seed spillage.
Compost piles, particularly those containing meat or dairy scraps, must be fully enclosed in secure, vented containers to prevent scavenging. Accessible water, especially during dry seasons, can also be a strong lure. It is important to eliminate standing water sources like leaky hoses or low-sitting bird baths. For shelter, coyotes often seek quiet, dark spaces beneath porches and sheds for denning, particularly during the pupping season (March to June). To eliminate these potential havens, openings should be sealed off using materials like heavy-gauge wire mesh.
Structural Exclusion and Physical Barriers
Beyond removing attractants, physical barriers provide the next layer of security by actively blocking a coyote’s access to a property. Fencing is the most common structural deterrent, but it must account for the coyote’s ability to jump and dig. A fence should stand at a minimum height of 5.5 to 6 feet to discourage jumping.
To prevent coyotes from digging underneath the barrier, a buried apron or wire mesh skirt must be installed. This wire should be buried approximately 12 to 18 inches deep and bent outward in an “L” shape to create a horizontal barrier underground. At the top of the fence, a wire overhang or a “coyote roller” can be installed to prevent climbing. The roller is a smooth tube that spins when gripped, denying the animal the necessary traction to get over the top edge.
For small livestock, such as poultry, coops and enclosures require a secured top and heavy-gauge wire mesh walls that extend below the ground. Small pets should never be left unattended. If a designated outdoor space is necessary, it must be a fully enclosed, kennel-like structure with a secured roof. Consistent use of these structural measures establishes a clear physical boundary that reinforces the area is not worth the coyote’s effort.
Active Hazing and Aversive Conditioning
Active hazing is a direct, non-lethal method of aversive conditioning designed to re-establish a coyote’s natural fear of humans. This technique relies on negative reinforcement, consistently making a coyote’s presence near people unpleasant. Intervention must be immediate and intense the moment a coyote is spotted to create a strong association between human presence and an undesirable experience.
The hazing process should involve a variety of escalating sensory deterrents to prevent the coyote from becoming accustomed to a single stimulus. Start by making yourself appear large: stand tall, wave your arms overhead, and shout firmly. If the coyote remains, increase the intensity with noisemakers. These include air horns, whistles, or “shaker cans” filled with coins or pebbles.
Projectiles can be used next, but they must be thrown toward the animal, not directly at it, with the intent of landing close enough to startle it. Small objects like tennis balls, sticks, or clumps of dirt work well. Water is another effective tool; use a garden hose or motion-activated sprinklers to surprise and soak the animal without causing harm. Continue the hazing until the coyote has completely left the area and is out of sight. If the animal runs a short distance, stops, and looks back, immediately resume hazing to demonstrate that the threat is persistent.
Protocols for Safe Encounters
When a coyote approaches closely and deterrence methods are unavailable, maintaining a safe posture is the immediate priority. Suppress the instinct to run, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, face the coyote directly, maintain steady eye contact, and make yourself look as large as possible by waving your arms and opening your coat.
While maintaining this intimidating posture, slowly back away without turning your back on the animal. Small dogs should be immediately picked up and held. All dogs should be kept on a short, non-retractable leash during walks to maintain control. Carrying a portable noisemaker, such as a whistle or small air horn, allows for immediate hazing if an encounter occurs away from home.
If a coyote displays unusually aggressive behavior, such as growling, lunging, or persistent, fearless approaching, this indicates a significant loss of wariness or potential illness. Such instances must be immediately reported to local animal control or wildlife authorities. These agencies assess the risk and determine if official intervention, such as removal, is warranted, based on local regulations governing aggressive wildlife management.