What to Do if You See a Coyote in Your Yard: A Comprehensive Guide
Discovering a coyote in your yard can be startling. This article will guide you on what to do if you see a coyote in your yard, focusing on effective strategies to deter them and maintain a safe environment for yourself, your family, and your pets.
Understanding Coyote Behavior and Urban Adaptation
Coyotes, Canis latrans, are incredibly adaptable animals. Once primarily found in western North America, they have expanded their range across the continent, including increasingly urban areas. Their adaptability is partly due to their opportunistic diet – they will eat anything from small rodents and rabbits to fruits, vegetables, and unfortunately, pet food left outside. Understanding this behavior is key to preventing encounters.
Why Coyotes Enter Yards
Several factors might attract a coyote to your yard:
- Food Availability: Open trash cans, fallen fruit, pet food, and even bird feeders can draw them in.
- Water Sources: Ponds, bird baths, or even standing water can be attractive, especially during dry periods.
- Habitat and Shelter: Dense vegetation can provide cover for coyotes, making your yard an appealing resting spot.
- Small Pets: Unfortunately, small, unattended pets can sometimes be seen as prey.
Safe Practices: Deterring Coyotes
Prevention is always the best approach. Here are some proactive measures you can take to deter coyotes from entering your yard:
- Secure Food Sources:
- Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Pick up fallen fruit from trees.
- Store pet food indoors, and never leave it outside overnight.
- Clean up birdseed that falls from feeders.
- Eliminate Water Sources:
- Remove standing water from your property.
- Keep bird baths clean and empty them when not in use.
- Manage Vegetation:
- Trim shrubs and bushes to reduce hiding places.
- Clear away dense ground cover.
- Supervise Pets:
- Never leave small pets unattended in the yard, especially at dawn and dusk, which are peak coyote activity times.
- Keep pets on a leash when walking them.
- Install Fencing: A solid fence at least six feet high can be an effective deterrent. Consider adding a “coyote roller” at the top to prevent climbing.
What do you do if you see a coyote in your yard? Active Response Strategies
If you do encounter a coyote in your yard, here’s what to do if you see a coyote in your yard:
- Stay Calm: Avoid panicking.
- Make Yourself Large and Loud: Wave your arms, shout, and make loud noises.
- Use Hazing Techniques:
- Spray the coyote with a hose: Water is a harmless but effective deterrent.
- Throw objects in the coyote’s direction: Rocks, sticks, or even tennis balls can startle them.
- Use noisemakers: Air horns, whistles, or even banging pots and pans can scare them away.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Do not run or turn your back on the coyote. Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact.
- Report the Sighting: Contact your local animal control or wildlife agency to report the sighting, especially if the coyote appears sick, injured, or unusually aggressive.
When to Be Concerned
Most coyotes are wary of humans and will avoid contact. However, there are situations where coyote behavior warrants concern:
- Daytime activity: While coyotes are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk), daytime sightings are not always a cause for alarm. However, if a coyote is repeatedly seen during the day and approaches humans without fear, it could indicate habituation or other problems.
- Lack of fear: A coyote that does not run away when approached or makes eye contact and does not retreat is displaying concerning behavior.
- Aggression: Growling, snapping, or stalking are signs of aggression that require immediate attention.
- Visible illness or injury: A coyote that appears sick, injured, or disoriented may pose a greater risk.
Coexisting Peacefully
The ultimate goal is to coexist peacefully with coyotes. By understanding their behavior and taking appropriate precautions, you can minimize the risk of encounters and maintain a safe environment for both humans and wildlife. Remember what to do if you see a coyote in your yard: be proactive, be aware, and be prepared.
Comparing Deterrent Methods
| Deterrent Method | Effectiveness | Cost | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| ——————– | —————– | ——- | —————– |
| Secure Trash Cans | High | Low | Essential for preventing attractants |
| Remove Pet Food | High | Low | Easy to implement |
| Fencing | High | Medium to High | Can be expensive to install |
| Hazing | Moderate to High | Low | Requires immediate action |
| Motion-Activated Sprinklers | Moderate | Medium | Effective at deterring coyotes from entering the yard |
| Professional Wildlife Removal | High | High | Should be a last resort |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are coyotes coming into urban areas?
Coyotes are drawn to urban areas primarily by the availability of food sources, such as unsecured trash, pet food, and rodents. The lack of natural predators in urban environments also contributes to their presence.
Are coyotes dangerous to humans?
Coyote attacks on humans are rare, but they can occur, especially if coyotes become habituated to humans or feel threatened. Small children are more vulnerable.
What should I do if a coyote approaches me?
If a coyote approaches you, do not run. Stand your ground, make yourself look large, and shout. Use noisemakers or throw objects to scare it away.
How can I protect my pets from coyotes?
Keep pets indoors, especially at dawn and dusk. If you must take them outside, keep them on a leash and supervise them closely. Consider installing fencing to protect your yard.
Is it safe to leave pet food outside?
No, leaving pet food outside is a major attractant for coyotes and other wildlife. Always store pet food indoors.
Will motion-activated sprinklers deter coyotes?
Yes, motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective deterrent, as coyotes generally dislike being sprayed with water.
Should I feed coyotes to keep them away from my pets?
Never feed coyotes. Feeding them will only habituate them to humans and make them more likely to approach people and pets.
What do I do if a coyote attacks my pet?
If a coyote attacks your pet, try to scare the coyote away by shouting and throwing objects. Seek immediate veterinary care for your pet. Report the incident to your local animal control or wildlife agency.
How do I report a coyote sighting?
Contact your local animal control or wildlife agency to report a coyote sighting, especially if the coyote appears sick, injured, or unusually aggressive.
What does it mean if a coyote is active during the day?
While coyotes are typically most active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), daytime activity is not always a cause for alarm. However, if a coyote is repeatedly seen during the day and approaches humans without fear, it could indicate habituation or other problems.
Are there any coyote repellents that actually work?
Some commercially available coyote repellents may offer temporary relief, but their effectiveness can vary. Consistent hazing techniques and eliminating attractants are generally more effective.
When should I call a professional wildlife removal service?
Consider calling a professional wildlife removal service if you have a coyote that is repeatedly exhibiting aggressive behavior or if you are unable to deter it using other methods. This should be a last resort, as relocation is often stressful for the animal and may not be effective in the long run. Remember, understanding and applying what to do if you see a coyote in your yard starts with these preventative measures.