How to Protect Yourself from Coyotes
To protect yourself from coyotes, it is important to prevent them from becoming comfortable around humans and to know how to react during an encounter. The recommended strategy is “hazing”— scaring the animals away to re-establish their natural fear of people.
Preventing Coyote Encounters
- Remove attractants. Never intentionally feed coyotes. Store garbage and compost in secure, wildlife-proof containers. Remove pet food and water bowls from outdoors and clean up fallen fruit or seeds.
- Secure pets. Keep small pets like cats and small dogs indoors, especially at dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. When walking dogs, keep them on a short leash. If you see a coyote, pick up your small pet immediately.
- Visit the AKC (American Kennel Club) site for more information regarding protecting your pet(s). https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/coyote-attacks-protecting-dogs/
- Make your property unappealing. Keep your yard clean and well-maintained. Trim overgrown bushes and tall grass where coyotes can hide. For serious issues, consider coyote-proof fencing that is at least seven feet high and extends underground.
- Use deterrents. Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers, which can frighten coyotes. You can also hang bells or wind chimes that make noise.
- Supervise children. Never leave small children unattended in areas where coyotes are known to be present.
What To Do When You See A Coyote
If you see a coyote in the distance, assess its behavior. If it does not seem interested in you, simply keep an eye on it while you calmly continue on your way.
If the coyote approaches you, begin hazing it:
- Make noise. Yell in a loud, deep voice. Use noisemakers like an air horn, a whistle, or a “coyote shaker”—a can with pennies or pebbles inside.
- Look big. Wave your arms over your head, stand tall, and make yourself look as large and intimidating as possible.
- Intimidate them. Stare directly at the coyote to make it feel uncomfortable. Maintain eye contact until it leaves.
- Throw objects. Toss sticks, small rocks, or tennis balls at the ground near the coyote to make it move away. Do not hit the coyote in the head, as this can increase aggression.
- Use spray. For particularly bold coyotes, you can use a spray bottle filled with vinegar water or a commercial product like pepper spray.
- Never run. Running can trigger a coyote’s predatory chase instinct. Back away slowly and carefully while continuing to face the animal.
- Keep hazing. Continue to be loud and aggressive until the coyote has completely left the area, not just run a short distance away.
What to do during a physical attack though extremely rare, if a coyote attacks:
- Fight back. Protect your neck and throat and fight back aggressively with any available object, such as a stick or umbrella.
- Seek medical help. After the attack, immediately seek medical attention for any wounds.
- Report the incident. Report any aggressive coyote behavior or attacks to your local animal control or wildlife authorities.
