Coyotes are increasingly becoming a common sight in human-populated areas across North America, adapting to urban and suburban environments. This growing presence means that encounters with these wild canids are more likely. Understanding how to react when a coyote approaches is important for ensuring public safety and fostering coexistence.
Responding to an Approach
If a coyote approaches you, haze it to scare the animal away and reinforce its natural wariness of humans. Stop and avoid running, as this can trigger a coyote’s chase instinct. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by standing tall, waving your arms above your head, or holding a jacket open.
Simultaneously, make loud noises by yelling, shouting “Go away, coyote!”, clapping your hands, or stomping your feet. A whistle or air horn can also provide an effective deterrent sound. If the coyote remains, throw small objects like sticks, rocks, or tennis balls near it, ensuring not to hit or injure the animal. The goal is to startle, not harm.
Maintain eye contact throughout the encounter, but do not turn your back on the coyote. Slowly back away while continuing to haze it until it leaves the area and is out of sight. If you have children or small pets, pick them up immediately to protect them and make yourself appear larger.
Understanding Coyote Behavior
Coyotes might approach humans for several reasons, often indicating a loss of their natural fear, known as habituation. This can stem from curiosity, especially in younger animals, or from associating humans with accessible food sources. When coyotes regularly find food like pet food, garbage, or fallen fruit near dwellings, they may become bolder and more active during the day.
A truly aggressive coyote, which is rare, might growl, snarl, lunge, or bark agitatedly without provocation. However, behaviors like following, staring, or howling are often misunderstood. Following can be a sign of curiosity or territorial defense, particularly if a den is nearby, while staring indicates caution or assessment. Howling and yipping are primarily communication within their family groups or to mark territory, not aggression towards humans.
Deterring Future Encounters
Proactive measures are effective in preventing future coyote encounters by making your property less appealing. Remove all potential food sources, securing trash bins with tight-fitting lids and storing them in a garage until collection day. Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside, as these are significant attractants. Regularly clear fallen fruit from trees and remove bird feeders, as they can attract rodents, which are a primary food source for coyotes.
Supervising pets, especially small dogs and cats, is important, as coyotes may view them as prey. Keeping cats indoors and walking dogs on a leash, particularly during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active, can reduce risks. Fencing can also be a deterrent, with recommendations for fences at least six feet high and extensions into the ground to prevent digging. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can also startle coyotes and discourage them from lingering.
Never intentionally feed coyotes, as this is a primary cause of habituation and can lead to bold or demanding behavior. Educating neighbors about these practices helps create a unified community approach to coyote management. If a coyote exhibits aggressive behavior or establishes a persistent presence, contact your local animal control or wildlife authorities.