When the fur flies and a coyote shows up in your yard, don’t just stand there like a deer in the headlights. Bold as brass or sly as a fox, this wild visitor can pose real risks.
Before you let curiosity kill the cat or go barking up the wrong tree, learn the 16 essential steps to protect your home, your pets, and your peace of mind when nature comes knocking.
1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
Your first reaction might be fear, but remaining calm is crucial. Coyotes are naturally wary of humans and rarely pose a threat when unprovoked. Take deep breaths and assess the situation logically.
The coyote is likely just passing through or hunting small prey in your yard. Remember that panicking can lead to poor decisions that might escalate the situation unnecessarily.
2. Keep Your Distance
Never approach a coyote, no matter how curious or harmless it may seem. Maintain at least 50 feet of distance between yourself and the animal. Wild animals need their space and may become defensive if they feel cornered or threatened.
Moving slowly and deliberately helps avoid triggering a chase response. If you’re too close when you first notice the coyote, back away gradually without turning your back on the animal.
3. Bring Children and Pets Inside
Small children and pets can appear as prey to coyotes. Call children inside immediately using a calm but firm voice to avoid startling the coyote. Gather pets quickly and quietly. Even large dogs should come inside as they might chase the coyote or get into a confrontation.
Once everyone is safely indoors, keep windows and doors closed, especially if the coyote seems agitated or unusually bold.
4. Make Yourself Look Bigger
Raising your arms above your head makes you appear larger and more intimidating to the coyote. Wave them slowly while facing the animal directly. Stand tall with your shoulders back and chest out. This posture signals to the coyote that you’re not prey and could potentially be dangerous.
If you’re wearing a jacket, hold it open wide to increase your apparent size even more.
5. Make Loud Noises
Coyotes typically avoid loud, unfamiliar sounds. Clap your hands forcefully, shout in a deep voice, or bang pots together to create startling noise. Car alarms, air horns, or whistles can also be effective deterrents. The sudden noise often convinces coyotes to retreat to quieter surroundings.
Continue making noise until the coyote leaves completely, as stopping too soon might encourage it to return.
6. Use Hazing Techniques
Hazing means using multiple scare tactics together to teach coyotes to avoid humans. Combine noise, movement, and your enlarged appearance for maximum effect. Throw small objects near (not at) the coyote, like tennis balls or small rocks.
The goal is to startle, not injure. Motion-activated sprinklers, flashlights at night, or shaking a can filled with coins can also effectively discourage the animal from lingering.
7. Never Run Away
Running triggers a coyote’s chase instinct and can cause it to pursue you. Their natural hunting behaviors include chasing fleeing animals. Instead, maintain eye contact and back away slowly if you need to create distance.
Face the coyote at all times while moving deliberately toward safety. Your steady, confident movements show the coyote you’re not prey and help prevent a potentially dangerous chase situation.
8. Don’t Feed the Coyote
Feeding coyotes—whether intentionally or accidentally—trains them to associate humans with food. This dangerous association makes them less fearful and more likely to approach people. Remove any food sources from your yard, including pet food, fallen fruit, and unsecured garbage.
Even bird feeders can attract coyotes by drawing in the small animals they hunt. A coyote that expects food from humans becomes a potential threat to the community.
9. Secure Garbage Cans
Coyotes have an excellent sense of smell and can detect food scraps in trash from surprising distances. Use wildlife-proof containers with secure, locking lids. Consider keeping garbage cans in a garage or shed until collection day.
Spraying trash cans with ammonia or vinegar can also help mask food odors. Regularly cleaning bins prevents residual smells that might attract curious coyotes looking for an easy meal.
10. Install Motion-Activated Deterrents
Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or sound devices can startle coyotes before they fully enter your property. These automated systems work even when you’re not home. Position devices at entry points where coyotes might access your yard.
The unexpected stimulus teaches coyotes your yard isn’t a safe or comfortable place. Many solar-powered options are available that don’t require complicated wiring or significant installation costs.
11. Modify Your Landscape
Dense shrubs and tall grass provide hiding spots for coyotes. Trim vegetation to eliminate potential shelters and denning sites on your property. Remove brush piles, fallen logs, and other debris that might harbor the small animals coyotes hunt.
Creating an open landscape makes your yard less appealing to wildlife. Consider installing fencing that extends at least 6 inches underground to prevent coyotes from digging their way into especially sensitive areas.
12. Contact Local Animal Control
If a coyote appears sick, injured, or unusually aggressive, call animal control immediately. Professional wildlife officers have the training and equipment to handle potentially dangerous situations. Document the coyote’s behavior and appearance to provide helpful information to authorities.
Note details like time of day, the animal’s actions, and any distinguishing features. Follow all instructions from wildlife professionals regarding the situation and your safety.
13. Alert Your Neighbors
Coyotes often establish territories that span multiple properties in a neighborhood. Informing neighbors helps create a community-wide response to prevent conflicts. Share information about proper hazing techniques and the importance of not feeding wildlife.
A consistent approach from all residents is more effective at teaching coyotes to avoid the area. Consider creating a neighborhood text chain or social media group to quickly alert others when coyotes are spotted.
14. Supervise Pets Outdoors
Even after the immediate encounter, coyotes may return to areas where they’ve found food or shelter before. Never leave small pets unattended outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
Keep dogs on leashes during walks, even in familiar areas. A retractable leash gives your pet some freedom while maintaining your control. Consider installing coyote rollers on fencing to prevent them from climbing into areas where pets spend time.
15. Remove Attractants
Water sources like pet bowls, bird baths, and leaky irrigation can draw coyotes seeking hydration. Empty or bring these indoors at night when coyotes are most active. Harvest ripe fruits and vegetables promptly, and pick up fallen produce from the ground.
Even compost piles can attract coyotes if they contain food scraps. Rodent populations also attract coyotes, so address any mouse or rat issues using secure traps rather than poison.
16. Document and Report Patterns
Keep a log of coyote sightings, including dates, times, and behaviors. This information helps wildlife officials identify potential problem animals or dens. Many cities have wildlife reporting systems where you can submit sightings online.
These reports help authorities track coyote population movements and behaviors throughout urban areas. Photos or videos taken from a safe distance can provide valuable documentation for wildlife management professionals.