Seeing a coyote in your North Dakota backyard can catch you off guard, especially with kids or pets around. But knowing how to respond can help keep everyone safe.
Coyotes are showing up more often in neighborhoods as they look for food and shelter. They’re adapting quickly to suburban life, which means encounters are becoming more common.
I’ve found that understanding what to do—and what not to do—makes a big difference. A calm, informed response can prevent problems and protect both your family and the coyote.
1. Make Yourself Look Big And Loud
When a coyote appears, your first instinct might be to freeze or run away. Instead, do the opposite by standing tall, raising your arms high, and making yourself appear as large as possible.
Yell firmly and clap your hands to create noise that startles the animal. North Dakota wildlife experts recommend this technique because coyotes typically fear humans and will retreat when confronted with confidence.
Keep eye contact and don’t turn your back until the coyote leaves your property completely.
2. Secure Your Pets Immediately
Coyotes view small dogs and cats as potential prey, especially during dawn and dusk hours. If your pet is outside when a coyote shows up, call them inside right away without running toward them in a panic.
Use a calm but firm voice to guide your pet to safety. Many North Dakota residents have lost beloved animals to coyote attacks, so always supervise outdoor time.
Keeping pets on a short leash during walks also prevents surprise encounters in your neighborhood.
3. Use Water Or Noise Deterrents
Grabbing a garden hose and spraying water toward the coyote creates an uncomfortable experience that encourages it to leave. Motion-activated sprinklers work similarly and can protect your yard even when you’re not home.
Banging pots and pans together or using an air horn also sends a clear message that your space isn’t welcoming. These methods are humane and effective across North Dakota communities.
Repeated negative experiences teach coyotes to avoid your property in the future.
4. Remove Food Sources From Your Yard
Coyotes wander into neighborhoods primarily because they’re searching for an easy meal. Bird feeders, unsecured trash cans, pet food left outside, and even fallen fruit attract these opportunistic hunters.
Take down feeders temporarily and store garbage in sealed containers with tight lids. North Dakota homeowners who eliminate food sources see fewer coyote visits over time.
Compost piles should also be enclosed properly, as rotting food smells travel far and invite unwanted wildlife visitors regularly.
5. Never Turn Your Back Or Run Away
Running triggers a coyote’s natural chase instinct, turning you from a threat into potential prey. Even if you feel frightened, resist the urge to sprint toward your house or turn away quickly.
Instead, back away slowly while continuing to face the animal and maintain a strong, assertive posture. This behavior communicates dominance and discourages the coyote from following you.
North Dakota wildlife officials stress that staying calm and deliberate protects you far better than panicking and fleeing the scene.
6. Don’t Feed Or Approach The Coyote
Some people mistakenly believe feeding a coyote will make it friendly or keep it from returning. Actually, feeding wildlife creates dangerous habits and removes their natural fear of humans.
Coyotes that associate people with food become bolder, increasing the risk of aggressive encounters. North Dakota law discourages feeding wild animals for this exact reason.
Never attempt to pet, photograph up close, or interact with a coyote, as even seemingly calm animals can bite or attack unexpectedly.
7. Avoid Leaving Children Or Small Pets Unattended
Coyotes are most active during twilight hours, making early morning and evening the riskiest times for unsupervised outdoor play. Young children playing alone can attract curious or hungry coyotes looking for vulnerable targets.
Always watch kids and small pets closely, especially in areas where coyote sightings have been reported recently. North Dakota parents should create a buddy system for outdoor activities.
Installing motion-sensor lights around your yard adds extra protection during darker hours when visibility drops significantly.