Coyotes are adaptable wild canids increasingly common in human-inhabited areas. Understanding how to react during an encounter and prevent them from frequenting your property is important. This guidance provides clear, actionable steps for residents to safely coexist with coyotes.
Responding to a Coyote Encounter
If you encounter a coyote that seems to be lingering or approaching, a technique known as “hazing” can be effective in encouraging it to leave. Hazing involves making the coyote feel unwelcome and reinforcing its natural wariness of humans. It is important to avoid running, as this can trigger a coyote’s chase instinct.
Instead, stand tall and make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms overhead or swinging an object like a walking stick. Make loud noises by yelling, clapping your hands, or using a whistle or air horn. You can also throw small objects like sticks, rocks, or tennis balls near the coyote, not at it, to startle it without causing injury. Maintaining eye contact can also help assert your presence.
If the coyote does not immediately retreat, continue to increase the intensity of your hazing, potentially taking a step or two towards it, until it leaves the area completely. Slowly back away while continuing to haze, moving towards a building or an area with more human activity if possible.
Protecting Pets from Coyotes
Safeguarding pets requires precautions, as coyotes may view them as prey. Keep dogs on leashes, especially short ones, when walking them outdoors. Your close proximity to your pet can often deter an approach. If a coyote approaches while you are with a small pet, immediately pick it up to keep it safe.
Even within a fenced yard, small pets should not be left unsupervised, as coyotes can climb or dig under barriers. Bring pet food and water bowls indoors, particularly at night, to remove attractants. Secure pet doors to prevent coyotes from entering homes.
Preventing Future Encounters
Proactive measures can reduce the likelihood of coyotes being attracted to your property. Secure all outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent coyotes from accessing food waste. Remove other potential food sources, such as fallen fruit, spilled birdseed, and outdoor pet food. Eliminating these easy meals encourages them to seek food elsewhere.
Maintain your landscape by clearing dense brush or overgrown vegetation, which removes potential hiding spots. Reinforcing property boundaries with appropriate fencing can also be effective; fences at least seven feet tall, with extensions that protrude outwards or are buried underground, can prevent coyotes from jumping over or digging under them. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can further deter coyotes by providing unexpected stimuli.