Coyotes aren’t native to Hawaii, but sightings do happen—especially as wildlife adapts to changing environments. Spotting one in your yard can be surprising, especially if you have pets or kids around.
Knowing how to respond is key to keeping everyone safe. Some actions, like making noise or securing food sources, are smart and effective.
Others—like running or trying to chase the animal away—can actually make things worse. Staying calm and informed is your best defense.
1. Make Yourself Look Big And Intimidating
Raising your arms wide and standing on your toes sends a clear message to the coyote that you’re not prey. Wild animals typically avoid creatures that appear larger and more threatening than themselves.
Spread your jacket or hold objects above your head to increase your size even more. Wave your arms slowly while maintaining eye contact with the animal.
Never crouch down or make yourself smaller, as this can trigger the coyote’s hunting instincts and make the situation more dangerous.
2. Yell Loudly And Make Aggressive Noises
Loud, assertive sounds can startle a coyote and convince it to leave your property quickly. Shout phrases like “Go away!” or “Get out!” in a deep, commanding voice that shows you’re in control.
Clap your hands sharply, stomp your feet, or bang pots and pans together if they’re nearby. Creating a frightening noise environment makes your yard seem unwelcoming.
Keep making noise until the coyote retreats completely from your sight and doesn’t return immediately.
3. Throw Objects Near (Not At) The Coyote
Tossing rocks, sticks, or other small objects in the coyote’s direction—not directly at it—creates a threatening atmosphere without causing injury. Aim for the ground a few feet in front of the animal to startle it.
This technique, called hazing, teaches coyotes to fear humans and avoid residential areas in the future. Use whatever’s handy: pine cones, pebbles, or even dirt clods.
Always prioritize scaring the animal away rather than harming it, which could escalate the situation unnecessarily.
4. Back Away Slowly While Facing The Animal
Turning your back on a coyote can trigger its chase instinct, so always keep your eyes on the animal as you retreat. Move backward slowly and deliberately, maintaining a confident posture throughout.
Avoid sudden movements that might startle the coyote or make it feel threatened enough to attack. Keep your body angled toward the animal while creating distance.
Once you’re safely inside or far enough away, the coyote will likely lose interest and wander off to find easier territory.
5. Bring Pets And Children Inside Immediately
Small pets and young children can look like prey to a hungry coyote, making them vulnerable targets during an encounter. Act quickly but calmly to get everyone indoors without causing panic.
Pick up small dogs or cats if possible, and guide children inside through the nearest door. Don’t leave pet food, toys, or water bowls outside that might attract the coyote back later.
Once everyone’s safe inside, monitor the situation through a window until the animal leaves your property completely.
6. Use A Hose Or Sprinkler System
Water creates an uncomfortable experience for the coyote without causing any real harm, making it an excellent deterrent. Spray the animal directly with a strong stream from your garden hose if you have one nearby.
Automatic sprinkler systems can also be activated to create an unwelcoming environment that encourages the coyote to leave. Most wild animals dislike getting wet and will retreat quickly.
Keep spraying until the animal exits your yard and disappears from view completely for best results.
7. Report The Sighting To Local Wildlife Authorities
Documenting coyote sightings helps wildlife officials track animal movements and protect communities from potential dangers. Contact your local Department of Land and Natural Resources or animal control agency as soon as possible.
Provide details about the time, location, and the coyote’s behavior during the encounter. Officials can determine if the animal poses a threat or needs to be relocated.
Your report might prevent future incidents and help researchers understand how these non-native animals are adapting to Hawaii’s environment.
8. Install Motion-Activated Lights And Alarms
Coyotes prefer hunting and exploring under the cover of darkness, so bright lights can discourage them from entering your property. Motion-sensor lights automatically turn on when movement is detected, startling nocturnal visitors.
Combine lighting with audio alarms or ultrasonic devices that emit sounds unpleasant to wildlife but harmless to humans. These systems work around the clock, even when you’re asleep or away.
Strategic placement near fences, gates, and dark corners creates a protective barrier that keeps your yard less appealing to curious coyotes.
9. Run Away Or Turn Your Back
Running triggers a coyote’s natural predator instincts, making you seem like fleeing prey that should be chased. Even if the animal wasn’t aggressive before, your sudden movement could change its behavior completely.
Turning your back removes your ability to monitor the coyote’s actions and leaves you vulnerable to surprise approaches. Wild animals interpret retreat as weakness, which can embolden them.
Always face the coyote and move slowly to avoid activating these dangerous hunting responses that could lead to an attack.
10. Approach Or Try To Feed The Coyote
Getting closer to a wild coyote or offering it food eliminates its natural fear of humans, creating serious long-term problems. Fed coyotes become bold and aggressive, often returning repeatedly and expecting meals.
Wild animals that associate people with food can become dangerous to entire neighborhoods, especially around children and pets. They may bite or attack when food isn’t provided as expected.
Maintaining distance and never feeding wildlife keeps both animals and humans safe while preserving natural behaviors that protect everyone involved.
11. Corner The Coyote Or Block Its Exit
Trapping a coyote with no escape route forces it into defensive mode, dramatically increasing the chance of an aggressive response. Animals fight fiercely when they feel cornered and believe their survival is threatened.
Always leave a clear path for the coyote to retreat away from you and your property. Blocking exits escalates tension and can result in bites or attacks.
Your goal should be encouraging the animal to leave voluntarily, not forcing a dangerous confrontation that puts everyone at risk unnecessarily.