Spotting a coyote wandering near your Montana yard can be a bit alarming. I’ve seen how easy it is to react the wrong way in the moment.
With the right approach, you can keep both your family and the animal safe. Here’s how to handle the situation calmly and avoid the biggest mistakes.
1. Make Yourself Look Big and Loud
Coyotes are naturally cautious around humans, so appearing larger and making noise can scare them off quickly. Stand tall, wave your arms above your head, and shout firmly in their direction.
Many Montana residents have successfully used noisemakers like whistles or pots and pans. Back away slowly while facing the animal, never turning your back.
Confidence matters because coyotes sense fear and hesitation, so stay calm and assertive until the animal leaves your property.
2. Secure Your Pets and Small Children
Small animals and young kids can attract coyotes because they see them as potential prey or competition. Bring pets indoors immediately when you spot a coyote nearby, especially during dawn and dusk when they’re most active.
Keep children close and supervise outdoor playtime in Montana’s rural areas. Leash your dogs during walks and avoid letting cats roam freely at night.
Installing motion-sensor lights around your yard adds extra protection and alerts you to nighttime visitors before encounters happen.
3. Remove Food Sources From Your Yard
Food left outside acts like a welcome mat for hungry coyotes searching for easy meals. Store garbage in sealed containers, pick up fallen fruit from trees, and clean up birdseed that spills under feeders.
Pet food bowls should never stay outside overnight in Montana neighborhoods. Even compost piles can draw wildlife if they contain meat scraps or strong-smelling leftovers.
Eliminating these attractants makes your property less appealing, encouraging coyotes to hunt elsewhere instead of returning regularly to your space.
4. Install Fencing and Barriers
Physical barriers create a strong defense against coyotes entering your Montana property. Build fences at least six feet tall because coyotes are excellent jumpers and climbers.
Extend wire mesh underground about 12 inches to prevent digging beneath the fence line. Roller bars on top make it harder for them to grip and climb over.
Check for gaps or weak spots regularly, especially after storms or heavy snowfall that might damage your barriers and create new entry points for determined animals.
5. Never Run Away From a Coyote
Running triggers a coyote’s natural chase instinct, making a bad situation much worse. When you flee, the animal may pursue you because movement signals prey behavior.
Montana wildlife experts stress that standing your ground shows dominance and discourages attacks. Walk backwards slowly while maintaining eye contact, giving the coyote space to retreat.
Panicking puts you at greater risk, so control your breathing and remember that most coyotes want to avoid confrontation just as much as you do in these tense moments.
6. Don’t Feed or Approach Coyotes
Feeding wild coyotes destroys their natural fear of humans and creates dangerous habits. Once they associate people with food, they become bolder and more likely to approach homes in Montana communities.
Never try to pet, photograph up close, or corner a coyote, even if it seems calm or curious. Wild animals are unpredictable and may bite or scratch when feeling threatened.
Respecting their space protects both you and the animal from unnecessary conflict that could result in injury or require wildlife removal from your neighborhood.
7. Avoid Leaving Pets Outside Unattended
Unsupervised pets become easy targets for coyotes hunting in Montana’s suburban areas. Even large dogs can face danger from coyote packs working together during territorial disputes.
Attacks happen quickly, often within minutes, so constant supervision is essential during outdoor time. Build a secure enclosed kennel if your pet needs extended outdoor access while you’re busy.
Tragically, many pet owners learn this lesson too late, so take prevention seriously and never assume your yard is completely safe from wildlife intrusions or unexpected visits.