Coyotes are adaptable canids that have integrated into urban and suburban environments across North America. Their presence often leads to human-wildlife conflict, usually because they lose their natural fear of people when food sources become readily available. Coexisting safely requires clear steps to prevent encounters and manage them when they occur. The goal is to reinforce the coyote’s natural wariness and reduce close-range interactions.
Preventing Coyote Visits
The most effective strategy for managing coyotes involves eliminating the attractants that draw them into residential areas. Removing easy food sources is the first step in deterrence, as coyotes are opportunistic foragers. Secure all household garbage in robust containers with tightly fastened lids or use straps to prevent access.
Pet food and water left outside, particularly overnight, are significant attractants and must be kept indoors. Minor attractants like fallen fruit or birdseed can draw rodents, which in turn attract coyotes. Small pets, such as cats and small dogs, are potential prey and should never be left outside unattended, especially during dawn and dusk.
Coyotes also seek shelter, so clearing dense brush and sealing off access points beneath porches or decks discourages denning. Specialized fencing, such as six-foot barriers topped with a “coyote roller,” prevents the animals from climbing over.
Immediate Action for a Typical Sighting
Seeing a coyote during the day is not automatically a cause for alarm, as they are sometimes active outside of nocturnal hours, especially when foraging. If you observe a coyote passing through at a distance, remain calm and assess the situation. Never run away, as this action can trigger a natural chase instinct in the animal.
If the coyote is within a reasonable distance, immediately pick up any small children or pets to remove them from potential danger. Maintain eye contact, which signals that you are aware of the animal and are not prey. While keeping your gaze on the coyote, slowly back away until a safe distance is achieved, allowing the animal an escape route.
If the coyote does not immediately flee or seems to be observing you, transition to active deterrence. This is important if the animal shows little fear or continues to linger in a residential area.
Active Hazing Techniques
Hazing is actively scaring a coyote away to re-instill its natural fear of humans. This technique is necessary when a coyote exhibits boldness, approaches people, or seems unconcerned by human presence. The goal is to appear large, loud, and threatening, creating a negative association with being near people.
Begin by standing tall, waving your arms above your head, and yelling loudly in an authoritative voice. Stomp your feet and take a few steps toward the coyote to emphasize your dominance. If the coyote does not retreat, increase the intensity using noise makers such as whistles, air horns, or a can filled with coins or pebbles (a “coyote shaker”).
Throwing non-lethal projectiles, like small rocks or tennis balls, near the animal encourages it to leave; the intent is to startle, not to injure. Continue hazing until the coyote has completely left the area and is out of sight. Using a variety of techniques prevents the coyote from becoming accustomed to a single stimulus.
Knowing When to Contact Authorities
While most coyote encounters can be managed through hazing, specific situations warrant immediate professional intervention. Contact local animal control, the police department, or a state wildlife agency if a coyote exhibits overtly aggressive behavior. This includes bold aggression such as growling, stalking, lunging, or chasing people or leashed pets.
A serious concern is a coyote that shows signs of illness, such as stumbling, lack of coordination, paralysis, or unusual fearlessness. These symptoms may indicate rabies or canine distemper. If a coyote has bitten a person or a pet, report the incident immediately, and seek medical attention.
These behaviors signify an immediate threat to public safety. Local authorities will assess the threat, as a coyote that has lost its fear of people due to habituation or feeding may require professional removal. Contact information for the appropriate local agency can be found through your municipal government website or police non-emergency line.