Coyotes are becoming a common sight in Alabama neighborhoods, and keeping them away from your yard takes some strategy. A few smart steps can help protect your pets, garden, and peace of mind.
At the same time, there are mistakes that can make the problem worse. Here are 8 effective ways to manage coyotes in your yard—and 3 things you definitely shouldn’t do.
1. Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers deliver a harmless but startling burst of water when triggered by movement. They’re particularly effective at night when coyotes are most active in Alabama neighborhoods.
Many Alabama residents find these devices provide double duty by watering gardens while deterring wildlife. The sudden spray creates an unpredictable environment coyotes prefer to avoid.
2. Secure Garbage Cans
Coyotes view your trash as an all-you-can-eat buffet. Use heavy-duty containers with tight-fitting, lockable lids that can’t be easily tipped over or pried open by curious paws.
Alabama homeowners who secure their garbage report fewer coyote sightings overall. Remember to wait until collection day to place bins outside, giving these opportunistic hunters less time to investigate.
3. Install Proper Fencing
Coyotes are impressive jumpers and diggers. Effective fencing should be at least 6 feet tall with an additional 18 inches buried underground to prevent tunneling beneath your barrier.
Many Alabama families add coyote rollers to fence tops – cylindrical bars that spin when animals try to climb over. This simple addition has protected countless pets throughout the Heart of Dixie.
4. Remove Food Sources
Fallen fruit, unsecured pet food, and open compost piles are irresistible invitations to hungry coyotes. Clean up windfall regularly and never leave pet dishes outside overnight in your Alabama yard.
Bird feeders attract squirrels and other small animals that coyotes hunt. Consider raising feeders higher or temporarily removing them if you notice increased coyote activity around your Alabama property.
5. Use Light and Sound Deterrents
Coyotes prefer to hunt in darkness and quiet. Solar-powered flashing lights and randomly activated noise makers create an unpredictable environment these cautious predators tend to avoid.
Alabama gardeners have found success with wind chimes and solar-powered predator eye lights. Alternating your deterrent locations prevents coyotes from becoming accustomed to fixed patterns in your yard’s defenses.
6. Practice Hazing Techniques
When you spot a coyote, make yourself big, wave your arms, and make loud noises. This teaches them humans are threats, not sources of food. Alabama wildlife experts recommend carrying a whistle during walks.
Rattling a can of coins, blowing an air horn, or spraying a hose toward (not at) coyotes reinforces their natural wariness. Consistent hazing throughout Alabama neighborhoods helps maintain healthy boundaries between wildlife and people.
7. Plant Coyote-Repelling Vegetation
Certain plants with strong scents can deter coyotes from entering your yard. Wolf’s bane, mint, and garlic are natural repellents that thrive in Alabama’s climate and create boundaries coyotes prefer not to cross.
Alabama gardeners have successfully created perimeter plantings of prickly shrubs like barberry and hawthorn. These natural barriers discourage coyotes while adding beauty and habitat for birds and beneficial insects.
8. Keep Pets Supervised
Small pets are unfortunately viewed as prey by hungry coyotes. Never leave cats or small dogs unattended outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes actively hunt.
Alabama pet owners should consider enclosed runs for smaller animals. Larger dogs should be brought inside at night – even they can be injured in confrontations with the territorial coyotes that roam through the Yellowhammer State.
9. Don’t Feed Wildlife
Leaving food out for deer, raccoons, or other wildlife inadvertently attracts coyotes too. This dangerous practice teaches coyotes to associate humans with food rewards rather than maintaining natural wariness.
Alabama wildlife officials report that neighborhoods where residents feed wild animals experience more coyote problems. Once coyotes lose their fear of humans, more aggressive management techniques may become necessary.
10. Don’t Use Poison
Poisoning attempts often harm pets, protected species, and children instead of target animals. It’s also illegal in many Alabama counties and creates suffering that most find unconscionable.
Alabama’s ecosystem relies on predators like coyotes to control rodent populations. Poisoning disrupts this natural balance and can actually increase coyote numbers as territories open up for new individuals to claim.
11. Don’t Trap Without Training
Amateur trapping often results in injured animals, orphaned pups, and dangerous encounters. In Alabama, trapping wildlife requires specific permits and training that most homeowners don’t possess.
Alabama law requires humane handling of trapped wildlife. Without proper equipment and knowledge, attempted trapping creates unnecessary suffering and potential legal consequences for well-meaning but unprepared property owners.