Spotting a coyote in your Louisiana yard can be startling, but knowing how to react is crucial for your safety and the animal’s wellbeing. Coyotes have adapted to suburban and urban environments across the state, making encounters more common than ever before.
Understanding the right steps to take can prevent dangerous situations while respecting these wild animals that play an important role in our ecosystem.
1. Stay Calm And Keep Your Distance
Your first instinct might be to panic, but remaining calm is essential. Coyotes typically avoid humans and prefer to keep their distance.
Stand tall, wave your arms, and maintain eye contact to assert your presence. Never approach the animal or corner it, as this could trigger defensive behavior.
A healthy coyote will usually move along once it realizes you’re aware of its presence.
2. Make Yourself Look Bigger
Wild animals like coyotes assess threats based on size. Raising your arms above your head, opening your jacket wide, or lifting a child makes you appear more intimidating.
Speak in a firm, loud voice while facing the coyote directly. This combination of visual and auditory signals communicates that you’re not prey.
Maintain this posture until the coyote retreats from your property.
3. Make Noise To Scare It Away
Loud, unexpected noises often send coyotes running. Clap your hands sharply, blow a whistle, or bang pots together to startle the animal.
Motion-activated devices that emit sudden sounds can also deter coyotes from entering your yard in the first place. Many Louisiana homeowners keep an air horn handy during coyote season.
Remember that consistency matters – the coyote needs to associate your yard with unpleasant experiences.
4. Don’t Run Or Turn Your Back
Running triggers a coyote’s chase instinct, potentially turning you into prey in its eyes. Even though coyotes rarely attack humans, fleeing might confuse the animal about your status.
Back away slowly while facing the coyote if you need to create more distance. This methodical retreat shows confidence rather than vulnerability.
Teach children this important safety rule too – never run from any wild predator.
5. Remove Food Sources From Your Yard
Coyotes visit yards searching for meals – pet food, garbage, fallen fruit, or small wildlife attracted to bird feeders. A well-fed coyote becomes a regular visitor.
Secure trash in animal-proof containers and feed pets indoors. Pick up fallen fruit promptly, especially in rural Louisiana properties where food competition is fierce.
Consider installing motion-activated sprinklers that discourage coyotes from viewing your yard as a reliable feeding ground.
6. Protect Small Pets and Children
Small dogs and cats look like natural prey to hungry coyotes. Bring pets inside immediately if you spot one lurking nearby.
Never leave children unattended in areas where coyotes have been seen. While attacks on humans are extremely rare, small children may not know how to respond appropriately to wildlife.
Consider building a coyote-proof fence (at least 6 feet tall with an outward-facing overhang) for long-term protection.
7. Use Hazing Techniques
Wildlife experts recommend “hazing” – deliberately scaring coyotes to restore their natural wariness of humans. Shake a can filled with coins, spray the animal with a hose, or toss small objects near (not at) the coyote.
The goal isn’t to harm but to create an uncomfortable experience. Louisiana residents report success with motion-activated lights that startle nighttime visitors.
Consistent hazing teaches coyotes your property isn’t worth the trouble.
8. Contact Local Wildlife Officials
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries can provide guidance if coyotes become a persistent problem. They’ll assess whether the animal’s behavior indicates rabies or other concerns.
Document coyote sightings with photos, dates, and behavior notes to help officials understand the pattern. Multiple neighbors reporting issues creates a stronger case for intervention.
Never attempt to trap or relocate coyotes yourself – it’s dangerous and often illegal without proper permits.
9. Educate Your Neighbors
Coyote management works best as a community effort. Share information about coyote-proofing yards with neighbors to create a less inviting environment throughout your area.
Organize a neighborhood meeting with local wildlife experts who can address concerns. Many Louisiana communities have successfully reduced conflicts through coordinated approaches.
Social media groups for your neighborhood provide an excellent platform for tracking coyote movements and alerting vulnerable pet owners.
10. Install Deterrents Around Your Property
Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, and sound devices can make your yard less appealing to curious coyotes. These technologies startle without harming the animals.
Consider coyote rollers for fence tops – these spinning cylinders prevent coyotes from gaining the grip needed to climb over. Many Louisiana homeowners use wolf urine (available commercially) as a natural deterrent around property boundaries.
Regularly changing deterrent locations prevents coyotes from becoming accustomed to them.