Coyotes are becoming more common in Minnesota neighborhoods as development expands into their natural habitat. These adaptable wild canines generally avoid humans but can occasionally show up in your yard, especially during winter when food is scarce.
Knowing how to respond safely protects both you and these important members of our local ecosystem.
1. Stay Calm And Keep Your Distance
Your first reaction might be panic, but coyotes in Minnesota are typically more afraid of you than you are of them. Stand tall and maintain at least 50 feet of space between you and the animal.
Most coyote sightings last just seconds before they dart away. Remember that they’re just passing through and aren’t looking to cause trouble.
2. Make Yourself Look Bigger
Coyotes are naturally cautious around humans. Raise your arms over your head, wave them slowly, and stand up straight to appear larger and more intimidating.
Opening your jacket wide or holding up a backpack also works great. The goal is to convince the coyote you’re not an easy target and that approaching you isn’t worth the risk.
3. Make Loud Noises To Scare It Away
Coyotes in Minnesota startle easily with unexpected sounds. Clap your hands, shout firmly, bang pots together, or blow a whistle to frighten them off your property. Air horns work exceptionally well in emergency situations.
The goal isn’t to harm the animal but to create an unpleasant experience that teaches it to avoid your yard in the future.
4. Remove Food Sources From Your Yard
Coyotes visit yards looking for easy meals. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and don’t leave pet food outside overnight. Pick up fallen fruit from trees and clean up bird seed spills promptly.
Even compost piles can attract coyotes, so use enclosed bins. Taking away food incentives is one of the most effective long-term solutions to keep these wild visitors moving along.
5. Keep Pets Supervised Outdoors
In Minnesota, small dogs and outdoor cats can look like prey to hungry coyotes. Always supervise pets when they’re outside, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
Consider installing coyote-proof fencing that’s at least 6 feet tall with a roller bar at the top. For extra protection, walk dogs on leashes and bring pets inside before dark.
6. Install Motion-Activated Lights
Coyotes prefer hunting in darkness and typically avoid well-lit areas. Motion-activated flood lights can startle them and make your yard less appealing. Position lights to cover entry points like gates and areas near bushes where coyotes might hide.
Solar-powered options work great in remote areas of your property where electrical outlets aren’t available.
7. Use Coyote Deterrents Around Your Property
Commercial repellents containing predator urine can create the impression that your yard is already claimed by another predator. Ammonia-soaked rags placed strategically around your property perimeter work similarly.
Wind chimes and flags that move in the breeze create unpredictable movement that makes coyotes nervous. Remember to change deterrent locations occasionally so coyotes don’t become accustomed to them.
8. Clear Brush And Dense Vegetation
Coyotes love hiding in overgrown areas where they feel protected. Trim back bushes, especially near the ground, and remove piles of brush or lumber that could serve as dens. Keep grass short and remove fallen fruit from trees.
Creating an open landscape gives coyotes fewer places to hide and makes your yard less attractive as a hunting ground or potential home.
9. Report Aggressive Coyote Behavior
Most coyotes avoid people, but if one approaches you boldly or doesn’t scare easily, that’s concerning. Contact your local animal control or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources immediately. Take photos from a safe distance if possible.
Note the time, location, and the coyote’s behavior in detail. Reporting helps authorities track problem animals and protect the community.
10. Educate Your Neighbors About Coyote Management
Coyote management works best when everyone in the neighborhood follows the same practices. Share information about securing trash and removing food sources with your neighbors. Consider organizing a community meeting with a wildlife expert.
Creating a neighborhood text alert system to warn others when coyotes are spotted helps everyone stay informed and take appropriate precautions.
11. DON’T Run Away From A Coyote
Running triggers a coyote’s chase instinct – the same response they have when hunting rabbits or other prey. Instead of fleeing, stand your ground and make yourself appear larger and more threatening.
Moving away slowly while facing the animal is fine if needed. Backing away gradually shows you’re not a threat while also not triggering their pursuit response.
12. DON’T Feed Coyotes Intentionally
Feeding wild coyotes eliminates their natural fear of humans and creates dangerous dependency. Once a coyote associates people with food, it becomes bolder and may approach other neighbors or children. Even indirect feeding like leaving pet food outside or unsecured garbage teaches coyotes bad habits.
A fed coyote often becomes a dead coyote, as problem animals frequently end up being removed by wildlife officials.
13. DON’T Approach Coyote Dens Or Pups
Parent coyotes become extremely protective around their young. Spring and early summer are denning seasons in Minnesota, and getting too close can trigger aggressive defensive behavior. If you discover a den on your property, give it wide berth and contact wildlife officials for advice.
Never attempt to photograph pups up close or disturb a den site. Coyote families typically move pups to new locations if they sense danger.