Coyotes have learned how to move comfortably through Mississippi neighborhoods — slipping along tree lines, crossing creek beds, and appearing just after dusk. They don’t show up looking for trouble, but they can cause concern when pets and people share the same space.
Handling their presence takes a thoughtful approach, and some reactions only make the situation worse.
1. Remove Food Sources From Your Property
Coyotes wander into Mississippi yards mainly because they’re hunting for an easy meal. Pet food left outside, bird feeders that drop seeds, and garbage cans without secure lids all attract these animals.
Clean up fallen fruit from trees and don’t leave water bowls outside overnight. When coyotes can’t find food in your yard, they’ll move on to somewhere else.
Making your property less appealing takes away their main reason for visiting in the first place.
2. Install Motion-Activated Lights And Sprinklers
Sudden bright lights or a spray of water can startle coyotes and make them think twice about entering your Mississippi space. Motion sensors detect movement and trigger the devices automatically, even when you’re asleep.
Position these tools near areas where coyotes might enter, like fence lines or dark corners. The surprise factor works because coyotes prefer to hunt and explore without drawing attention.
Over time, they’ll associate your yard with unpleasant surprises and stay away.
3. Build Or Reinforce Fencing Around Your Yard
A solid fence at least six feet tall creates a physical barrier that coyotes struggle to jump over. Bury the bottom portion about six inches underground because coyotes are skilled diggers who will try to tunnel beneath.
Chain-link or wooden privacy fences work well if they’re tall enough and properly installed. Check regularly for weak spots or gaps that clever coyotes might squeeze through.
Strong fencing protects pets and gives you peace of mind.
4. Keep Pets Supervised And Indoors At Night
Small dogs and cats look like prey to hungry coyotes, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active in Mississippi. Never let pets roam outside alone after dark or in early morning hours.
Walk dogs on a short leash and stay alert for any wildlife nearby. Bring pet food and water dishes inside before sunset to avoid attracting unwanted visitors.
Your furry friends depend on you to keep them safe from predators.
5. Use Hazing Techniques To Scare Coyotes Away
If you spot a coyote in your Mississippi yard, make yourself big and loud to frighten it off. Wave your arms, shout firmly, bang pots together, or use an air horn to create noise.
Throw small objects near (not at) the coyote to reinforce that humans are scary and unpredictable. Consistent hazing teaches coyotes to fear people and avoid neighborhoods.
Never turn your back or run away, as this might trigger their chase instinct.
6. Clear Brush And Tall Grass From Your Yard
Overgrown vegetation provides perfect hiding spots where coyotes feel safe while stalking prey. Trim bushes, mow your Mississippi lawn regularly, and remove piles of leaves or wood that create shelter.
When your yard is open and well-maintained, coyotes lose their cover and feel exposed. They prefer sneaking around unnoticed, so eliminating hiding places makes your property less attractive.
A tidy yard also helps you spot wildlife before it gets too close.
7. Contact Wildlife Control For Persistent Problems
Sometimes coyotes become too comfortable around homes despite your best efforts to deter them. Professional wildlife control experts have the training and tools to handle aggressive or repeat visitors safely.
They can assess your property, identify what’s attracting coyotes, and implement removal strategies if necessary. Mississippi has specific regulations about handling wildlife, so professionals know the legal methods.
Don’t hesitate to call for help when you feel overwhelmed or unsafe.
8. Educate Your Neighbors About Coyote Prevention
Coyotes don’t respect property lines, so your efforts only work if neighbors cooperate too. Share information about securing garbage, removing food sources, and hazing techniques with people on your Mississippi street.
When an entire neighborhood takes prevention seriously, coyotes find the area unwelcoming and move elsewhere. Organize a community meeting or create a group chat to keep everyone informed.
Working together protects the whole community more effectively than individual efforts alone.
9. Install Coyote Rollers On Fence Tops
These spinning metal bars attach to the top of your fence and rotate when a coyote tries to climb over. The rolling motion prevents them from getting a grip, sending them back to the ground.
Coyote rollers work on most fence types and don’t harm the animals—they just make climbing impossible. Installation is fairly simple, and they provide long-term protection without constant maintenance.
This clever device stops even the most determined coyotes from entering your space.
10. Never Leave Food Out Intentionally (This Backfires)
Some people think feeding coyotes will make them friendly or keep them from hunting pets, but this is completely wrong and dangerous. Feeding wild animals removes their natural fear of humans and creates aggressive behavior.
Fed coyotes become bold, approaching homes and people without hesitation. They also teach their pups that humans provide food, creating generations of problem animals.
Mississippi law prohibits feeding wildlife for good reason—it endangers everyone in the community.
11. Don’t Use Poison Or Traps Without Permits (This Backfires)
Setting out poison or unauthorized traps seems like a quick fix, but it’s illegal in Mississippi without proper permits and incredibly dangerous. Poison can kill pets, other wildlife, and even harm children who might find it.
Traps can injure non-target animals or cause suffering to coyotes without solving the real problem. Plus, you could face serious legal consequences and fines.
Always contact wildlife authorities before attempting any removal methods on your own.
12. Avoid Approaching Or Cornering Coyotes (This Backfires)
Getting too close to a coyote, especially one that’s trapped or cornered, can trigger a defensive attack. Wild animals bite when they feel threatened and have no escape route.
Some people try to chase coyotes away by running at them, which might work once but teaches the animal nothing about fearing humans. Worse, a cornered coyote might protect itself aggressively.
Always maintain distance and use hazing from afar rather than physical confrontation for everyone’s safety.