Seeing a coyote in your Virginia backyard can be a real surprise—especially with kids or pets nearby. These wild animals are showing up more often as they adjust to suburban life.
As sightings rise, it’s important to know how to respond without panic. Staying calm and making smart choices helps keep your family safe while respecting local wildlife.
I’ve found that simple steps—like securing trash and avoiding direct contact—go a long way. Coexisting peacefully starts with understanding what these animals need and how they behave.
1. Stay Calm And Assess The Situation
Panic never helps when wildlife shows up unexpectedly. Take a deep breath and observe the coyote from a safe distance, preferably from inside your home or behind a secure barrier.
Most coyotes are just passing through and have no interest in confrontation. Watch its behavior carefully—is it acting aggressively, or simply moving through your property?
Understanding what the animal is doing helps you decide your next move wisely.
2. Never Approach Or Corner The Animal
Getting closer to a wild coyote is dangerous and unnecessary. Even if the animal seems calm, it can become defensive if it feels trapped or threatened.
Cornering a coyote eliminates its escape route, which may trigger a fight response. Always give wildlife plenty of space and a clear path to leave your property.
Remember, you want the coyote to move on, not feel like it has to defend itself.
3. Bring Pets And Children Inside Immediately
Small pets and young kids are vulnerable when coyotes are nearby. Coyotes view small animals as potential prey, and curious children might not understand the danger.
Act quickly but calmly to get everyone indoors. Call your pets by name and use treats if needed to get them inside fast.
Once everyone is safe, you can focus on encouraging the coyote to leave without added worry.
4. Make Yourself Appear Large And Intimidating
If you need to go outside, use your body language to show dominance. Raise your arms high, spread your jacket wide, or hold an object above your head to seem bigger.
Coyotes typically avoid creatures that appear larger and more threatening than themselves. Stand tall and maintain eye contact to signal you are not afraid.
This simple tactic often convinces a coyote to retreat without further action needed.
5. Use Loud Noises To Startle And Discourage It
Coyotes dislike sudden, loud sounds that disrupt their comfort. Bang pots and pans together, clap your hands forcefully, or use an air horn if you have one available.
Yelling in a deep, firm voice also works well. Avoid high-pitched screams, which might sound like prey in distress.
The goal is to create enough noise that the coyote decides your yard is not worth the trouble.
6. Throw Objects Near—Not At—The Coyote
Tossing sticks, rocks, or other items near the coyote reinforces that your space is off-limits. Aim for the ground close to the animal rather than directly at it to avoid injury.
You want to startle and discourage, not harm. A few well-placed throws usually send the message that humans are not to be messed with.
Combine this with loud noises for maximum effectiveness in getting the coyote to leave.
7. Use Water From A Hose Or Sprinkler
Water is a harmless yet highly effective deterrent for unwanted wildlife. Spray the coyote with a strong stream from your garden hose or activate motion-sensor sprinklers if you have them installed.
Most animals dislike being sprayed and will quickly move away from the source. Plus, water causes no harm while clearly establishing boundaries.
Keep a hose handy during times when coyotes are most active in your area.
8. Do Not Run Away Or Turn Your Back
Running triggers a chase instinct in many predators, including coyotes. Even if you feel scared, stand your ground and back away slowly while keeping the animal in sight.
Turning your back signals weakness or fear, which might embolden the coyote. Face the animal, move backward calmly, and continue using noise or gestures to assert dominance.
Staying composed keeps you in control of the situation and reduces risk significantly.
9. Remove Food Sources And Secure Trash Bins
Coyotes return to places where food is easy to find. Pet food left outside, unsecured garbage, and fallen fruit all attract hungry wildlife to your property.
Store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids and bring pet dishes inside after meals. Clean up birdseed spills and pick ripe fruit from trees promptly.
Eliminating food sources makes your yard far less appealing to coyotes and other wild visitors.
10. Install Motion-Activated Lights And Alarms
Bright lights and sudden sounds catch coyotes off guard and discourage them from lingering. Motion-sensor lights are inexpensive and easy to install around your yard perimeter.
Pair lights with motion-activated alarms or radios for added effect. Coyotes prefer to move through areas undetected, so anything that exposes them will push them elsewhere.
Automated deterrents work even when you are not home or awake to respond personally.
11. Contact Local Wildlife Authorities If Needed
Sometimes a coyote behaves unusually or refuses to leave despite your efforts. Aggressive behavior, signs of illness, or repeated visits may require professional intervention.
Contact Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or local animal control for guidance. They can assess the situation and provide expert advice or assistance if the animal poses a real threat.
Never hesitate to ask for help when wildlife encounters feel beyond your comfort level or expertise.