Coyotes have become increasingly common in New York’s suburbs and even urban areas. These wild canines usually avoid humans, but encounters in your own backyard can be startling and potentially dangerous if not handled correctly.
Knowing exactly what to do—and what not to do—when you spot these adaptable predators can keep both you and the coyote safe.
1. Make Yourself Look Big
Stand tall, raise your arms, and wave them slowly to make yourself appear larger than you actually are. Coyotes are naturally cautious and typically avoid confrontation with larger creatures.
This simple tactic sends a clear message that you’re not easy prey. Pair this action with a firm voice to reinforce your dominance in the situation without provoking aggression.
2. Make Loud Noises
Grab pots and pans, blow whistles, or use an air horn to create startling sounds that will discourage the coyote from lingering. Wild animals generally retreat from unfamiliar, loud noises that disrupt their comfort zone.
Many New Yorkers keep noise-making tools handy during coyote season. Consistent noise teaches local coyotes that your property isn’t a welcoming environment for them.
3. Maintain Eye Contact
Lock eyes with the coyote while backing away slowly. Coyotes interpret direct eye contact as confidence and potential threat, which often deters them from approaching closer.
Never turn your back or run away, as this might trigger the coyote’s predatory instinct to chase. Steady eye contact establishes your position as someone not to be messed with rather than potential prey.
4. Keep Pets And Children Close
Immediately gather small children and pets if you spot a coyote. Small animals and kids can appear as prey to hungry coyotes, especially during tough winters when food is scarce.
Pick up small dogs or children if possible. For larger pets, keep them on a short leash and position yourself between them and the coyote. Many coyote encounters escalate only when pets become involved.
5. Spray Water
Garden hoses make excellent coyote deterrents! A strong blast of water startles without causing harm, creating an unpleasant experience the coyote won’t want to repeat.
Motion-activated sprinklers also work wonders as preventative measures. Many New York homeowners install these devices after initial coyote sightings, reporting significant decreases in unwelcome wildlife visits afterward.
6. Report Sightings To Local Authorities
Contact your local animal control or wildlife management office after encountering a coyote. Officials track coyote populations and behaviors to identify potential problem animals or dens requiring intervention.
Reporting helps create accurate wildlife management plans for your neighborhood. New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation maintains records of coyote sightings to monitor population trends and address public safety concerns when necessary.
7. Remove Food Sources
Coyotes visit yards that offer easy meals. Secure garbage cans with locking lids, bring pet food indoors at night, and pick up fallen fruit from trees.
Bird feeders attract squirrels and other small animals that coyotes hunt, creating an unintended food chain in your yard. Even compost piles can lure hungry coyotes, so use enclosed bins that wildlife can’t access.
8. Install Motion-Activated Lights
Bright, sudden illumination startles coyotes and other nocturnal visitors. Motion-activated lights create an unwelcome environment for cautious wildlife that prefers to operate under cover of darkness.
Solar-powered options make installation easy even in remote corners of your property. Many New York homeowners combine motion lights with sound deterrents for maximum effectiveness against persistent coyote visitors.
9. Secure Your Property Boundaries
Coyotes can jump fences lower than 6 feet and squeeze through small gaps. Inspect your fencing regularly for holes or weak spots that might serve as entry points.
Consider installing coyote rollers on top of existing fences – these rotating cylinders prevent coyotes from getting the foothold needed to climb over. Burying fence extensions 12-18 inches underground also stops determined diggers from tunneling their way into your yard.
10. RISK: Feeding Coyotes
Never deliberately feed coyotes, even if they look hungry or cute. Feeding creates dangerous habituation, teaching wild animals to associate humans with food sources.
Once this association forms, coyotes lose their natural wariness and become bolder around people. Habituated coyotes often cannot be relocated and may eventually be euthanized if they become too comfortable approaching humans.
11. RISK: Running Away
Your first instinct might be to sprint for safety, but running triggers a coyote’s chase response. Coyotes naturally pursue fleeing animals – it’s hardwired into their hunting behavior.
Even though coyote attacks on adults are extremely rare, running increases your risk significantly. The motion activates predatory instincts that might otherwise remain dormant during a normal encounter where you stand your ground confidently.
12. RISK: Approaching Coyotes
Never approach coyotes, especially if they appear sick or injured. Well-meaning attempts to help wildlife often end badly for both humans and animals.
Coyotes with rabies may appear unusually docile or approachable before becoming aggressive. If you spot a coyote behaving strangely – staggering, seeming disoriented, or unusually bold – contact wildlife officials immediately and keep your distance.
13. RISK: Cornering A Coyote
Always ensure the coyote has an escape route when you’re attempting to scare it away. Cornered animals become defensive and may fight rather than flee when they feel trapped.
Position yourself so the coyote can retreat toward natural areas rather than toward buildings or busy streets. Even typically non-aggressive wildlife can become dangerous when they feel they have no options for escape.