Coyotes are adaptable and resilient predators that have expanded their range across North America, making their presence common in both rural and urban environments. As human development overlaps with their natural habitat, sightings in residential areas are frequent. Understanding how to react safely and effectively when a coyote appears in your yard is paramount for public safety and the animal’s welfare. This guidance focuses on immediate actions and long-term prevention strategies for peaceful coexistence.
Understanding Coyote Behavior
The typical coyote is naturally fearful of humans and will avoid confrontation, usually retreating immediately upon sensing a person. This is the desired, natural behavior for a wild animal. Coyotes are often most active during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk, but they can be seen at any time, especially when raising pups in the spring and summer.
A coyote that appears unbothered by human presence, approaches people or pets, or walks casually through a yard in broad daylight may be considered habituated. Habituated behavior means the coyote has lost its inherent wariness, usually because it associates human areas with easy food sources. Recognizing this distinction is important because a habituated animal requires more assertive action to restore its natural fear.
Immediate Response and Hazing Techniques
If a coyote is in your yard and is not immediately retreating, the most effective immediate action is “hazing.” This method is designed to frighten the animal and reinforce its natural fear of humans. Hazing involves being loud and large to appear threatening, but the goal is to scare the coyote away without causing injury. Never run away from a coyote, as this can trigger a chase instinct; instead, stand your ground and be assertive.
Begin by standing tall, waving your arms above your head, and yelling aggressively at the animal. This visual and auditory combination is often enough to send a wary coyote fleeing. If the coyote does not retreat, increase the intensity of your actions using noisemakers.
Examples of noisemakers and deterrents include:
- An air horn, a whistle, or banging pots and pans together.
- Throwing small, non-injurious objects toward, but not directly at, the coyote (e.g., tennis balls, small rocks, or sticks).
- Spraying the animal with a garden hose or a water gun.
It is important to continue the hazing until the coyote has completely left the area. If you are walking a small pet, immediately pick it up, and keep larger dogs on a short leash, as coyotes may view them as prey or competition.
Removing Attractants from Your Home
Long-term conflict prevention involves modifying the environment around your home to eliminate attractants. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and readily consume unsecured garbage, pet food, and fallen fruit. Securing these attractants is the most effective way to deter future visits.
Securing Food Sources
Outdoor garbage containers should have locking or tight-fitting lids and be stored in an enclosed structure, if possible. Pet food and water bowls must be brought inside immediately after use. Remove any fallen fruit from trees, and ensure compost piles are kept in secure, enclosed bins rather than open heaps.
Eliminating Shelter
Landscaping choices also play a role in deterrence, as coyotes seek cover for denning or hunting small prey. Clear away dense brush piles and trim low-hanging branches near your home to reduce hiding spots. Additionally, block off all access points beneath porches, sheds, and decks. These sheltered spaces can be used by coyotes for denning and raising their young.
Knowing When to Report a Sighting
The mere presence of a coyote in a neighborhood is not typically a cause for alarm or a reason to contact authorities, as it is normal behavior for a wide-ranging animal. However, certain behaviors indicate a public safety concern that warrants a call to local animal control or police.
Report a sighting if a coyote exhibits signs of illness, such as staggering, circling, paralysis, or excessive salivation, which may suggest rabies. Also, contact authorities if a coyote shows unprovoked, bold aggression toward humans, such as stalking or growling at people. The local jurisdiction can then assess the threat level and determine if intervention, such as removal, is necessary for the safety of the community.