Coyotes are showing up more often in Arkansas neighborhoods, and they can be tricky to deal with. I’ve seen how unsettling it can be when they start wandering into yards, especially at night.
A few smart strategies can help keep both you and your pets safe without stressing the animals. These tips make handling coyotes in your yard much easier and less worrisome.
1. Remove Food Sources
Never leave pet food outside overnight in your Arkansas yard. Coyotes have excellent noses and will return repeatedly to easy meal spots.
Secure garbage cans with locking lids and pick up fallen fruit from trees. Even bird feeders can attract coyotes indirectly by bringing in small animals they hunt.
2. Install Proper Fencing
Coyotes can jump over 6 feet high and dig under barriers. Effective Arkansas fencing should be at least 6 feet tall with an additional 18 inches buried underground.
Consider adding a coyote roller on top – a freely spinning pipe that prevents these agile climbers from gaining traction when attempting to scale your fence.
3. Practice Hazing Techniques
When you spot a coyote in your Arkansas yard, make yourself big and loud. Wave arms, clap hands, shout firmly, or use noisemakers to create an unwelcoming environment.
Vary your hazing techniques so these intelligent animals don’t become accustomed to one method. Consistent hazing teaches coyotes that your property isn’t a safe place for them.
4. Protect Pets Properly
Keep cats indoors, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes actively hunt. For Arkansas pet owners with dogs, always supervise outdoor time, even in fenced yards.
Walking dogs? Keep them leashed and carry deterrents like air horns or walking sticks. Small pets are particularly vulnerable, so never leave them unattended outside.
5. Secure Livestock Areas
Arkansas farmers know coyotes pose threats to chickens, goats, and other small livestock. Electric fencing provides excellent protection when properly installed and maintained.
Consider guardian animals like donkeys or certain dog breeds bred specifically to protect livestock. Ensure animals are secured in predator-proof enclosures before nightfall when coyotes are most active.
6. Manage Landscape Features
Trim back dense shrubs and remove brush piles where coyotes might den or hide. Many Arkansas homeowners unknowingly create perfect coyote habitat with overgrown areas.
Keep grass short around your home’s perimeter and install motion-activated lighting. Eliminating hiding spots makes your property less attractive while increasing visibility of any approaching wildlife.
7. Understand Seasonal Behaviors
Spring brings heightened coyote activity across Arkansas as parents defend dens and feed growing pups. Give suspected den areas wide berth during breeding season (February-April).
Fall and winter create food scarcity, potentially making coyotes bolder. Recognize these seasonal patterns to anticipate when you might need extra vigilance around your property.
8. Use Deterrent Devices
Motion-activated sprinklers startle coyotes with sudden bursts of water, creating negative associations with your Arkansas property. These humane devices work especially well for gardens or specific areas.
Consider predator urine products or commercially available coyote deterrents. Remember to rotate and relocate devices periodically since these clever animals quickly adapt to stationary threats.
9. Educate Your Neighbors
Coyotes roam territories spanning several miles across Arkansas neighborhoods. Your efforts won’t work if neighbors continue feeding wildlife or leaving attractants available.
Organize community meetings with wildlife experts from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. When entire neighborhoods work together on consistent management strategies, success rates dramatically improve.
10. When To Call Professionals
Contact Arkansas wildlife authorities immediately if you observe coyotes showing aggressive behavior, appearing sick, or showing no fear of humans. These are concerning signs requiring expert intervention.
Licensed wildlife removal specialists can help with persistent problems when other methods fail. Always verify credentials and ensure they use humane, legal practices approved in Arkansas.