How to Get Rid of Coyotes Around Your Property: A Comprehensive Guide
Effectively deterring coyotes requires a multifaceted approach focusing on removing attractants and employing preventative measures. Getting rid of coyotes around your property involves understanding their behavior and implementing strategies to make your land less appealing.
Understanding the Coyote Threat
Coyotes, once primarily inhabitants of open prairies, have adapted remarkably to urban and suburban environments. This adaptability, coupled with their opportunistic feeding habits, has led to increased human-coyote interactions, often resulting in property damage and, in rare cases, threats to pets and even humans. Understanding their behavior is the first step in mitigating the risk they pose. Coyotes are typically most active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), though they can be seen at any time of day. They are highly intelligent and quickly learn to associate specific areas with food sources.
Why You Need to Deter Coyotes
The presence of coyotes around your property isn’t just an inconvenience; it can pose real dangers:
- Pet Predation: Small pets, especially cats and small dogs, are vulnerable to coyote attacks.
- Property Damage: Coyotes may dig under fences, raid garbage cans, and damage gardens.
- Human Safety (Rare): While attacks on humans are rare, they can occur, especially if coyotes become habituated to human presence and associate them with food.
- Livestock Loss: If you own livestock, coyotes can cause significant financial losses.
Effective Strategies for Coyote Deterrence
Getting rid of coyotes around your property requires a proactive and sustained effort. These strategies focus on removing attractants, making your property less appealing, and directly deterring coyotes.
- Eliminate Food Sources:
- Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Feed pets indoors or remove uneaten food promptly.
- Clean up fallen fruit and seeds from bird feeders.
- Compost food scraps in enclosed, secure containers.
- Make Your Property Uninviting:
- Trim shrubs and bushes to reduce hiding places.
- Install motion-activated lights.
- Erect a sturdy fence at least 6 feet high, extending at least 12 inches underground with an apron (mesh or solid material extending outward) to prevent digging. Consider electric fencing for added protection.
- Remove standing water sources.
- Employ Scare Tactics:
- Make noise: Shout, bang pots and pans, use air horns, or play loud music when you see a coyote.
- Use visual deterrents: Flags, streamers, or coyote decoys. (Note: Coyotes can become accustomed to decoys, so move them frequently).
- Carry an air horn or pepper spray when walking your dog, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Protect Your Pets:
- Keep pets indoors, especially at night.
- Walk dogs on a leash.
- Consider using coyote vests or similar protective gear for small dogs.
- Supervise pets closely in the yard.
Understanding Exclusion Methods
Fencing is one of the most reliable methods for getting rid of coyotes around your property and preventing them from entering. However, the fence must be properly constructed.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| —————- | ———————————————— |
| Height | At least 6 feet |
| Bottom | Buried at least 12 inches deep, with an apron extending outward |
| Material | Chain-link, woven wire, or solid panel |
| Top | Optional: Overhang or electric wire to prevent climbing |
| Gate | Secure latch and self-closing mechanism |
Potential Pitfalls and Common Mistakes
- Inconsistent Deterrence: Coyotes are intelligent and will quickly learn to ignore deterrents that are used inconsistently.
- Leaving Food Accessible: Even small amounts of food can attract coyotes.
- Ignoring Warning Signs: If you see a coyote exhibiting bold behavior (e.g., approaching humans), report it to your local animal control.
- Relocating Coyotes: Relocating coyotes is generally ineffective and can be harmful to both the coyote and the environment. It is also often illegal.
- Using Poisons or Traps: These methods are often inhumane and can pose risks to non-target animals, including pets. It may also be illegal in your area. Check local regulations first.
Long-Term Coyote Management
- Community Involvement: Coordinate with neighbors to implement coyote deterrence strategies across your entire neighborhood.
- Education: Educate yourself and others about coyote behavior and how to coexist safely.
- Professional Assistance: Consider consulting with a wildlife control professional for assistance with complex or persistent coyote problems.
Working with Wildlife Control Professionals
While many DIY methods exist for getting rid of coyotes around your property, sometimes professional intervention is necessary. Wildlife control professionals have the expertise to assess your situation, develop a tailored management plan, and implement effective and humane solutions. They can also provide valuable advice on long-term prevention strategies.
The Importance of Consistent Prevention
The key to effectively getting rid of coyotes around your property and keeping them away is consistent prevention. This means implementing a comprehensive strategy that addresses all potential attractants and employs a variety of deterrents. Regular monitoring and maintenance are also essential to ensure that your efforts remain effective over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I shoot a coyote on my property?
Regulations regarding shooting coyotes vary widely by location. In some areas, it may be legal to shoot coyotes on your property with the proper permits and licenses. However, in other areas, it may be strictly prohibited. Always check with your local and state wildlife agencies to understand the specific laws and regulations in your area. Shooting is often a short-term solution and does not address the underlying attractants.
What are the signs that coyotes are near my property?
Common signs of coyote presence include tracks (resembling those of a small dog, but more elongated), scat (containing hair and bone fragments), howling (especially at dawn and dusk), and sightings of coyotes themselves. Pay attention to these signs and take action to deter coyotes if you notice them.
Are coyotes dangerous to humans?
While coyote attacks on humans are rare, they can occur, particularly if coyotes have become habituated to human presence or are being fed. It’s crucial to maintain a safe distance from coyotes and avoid feeding them. Report any aggressive or bold behavior to your local animal control.
How do I keep coyotes away from my pets?
The best way to protect your pets is to keep them indoors, especially at night. When walking dogs, use a leash and be vigilant. Consider using coyote vests or similar protective gear for small dogs. Never leave pet food outdoors.
What is the best type of fence to keep coyotes out?
A fence that is at least 6 feet high, buried at least 12 inches deep with an apron, and made of chain-link, woven wire, or solid panel is most effective. An overhang or electric wire at the top can further deter climbing. Ensure the fence is well-maintained and free of gaps or holes.
Do ultrasonic pest repellents work on coyotes?
The effectiveness of ultrasonic pest repellents is questionable and not scientifically proven for coyotes. While some people report success, others find them ineffective. A combination of strategies is usually more reliable.
What should I do if a coyote approaches me?
If a coyote approaches you, do not run. Make yourself look larger by raising your arms and yelling loudly. Wave your arms or throw objects at the coyote. Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact.
Can I use poison to get rid of coyotes?
Using poison to get rid of coyotes is generally illegal, inhumane, and poses a serious risk to non-target animals, including pets. It is strongly discouraged.
What if I see a coyote during the day?
Seeing a coyote during the day isn’t necessarily cause for alarm, but it can indicate that the coyote is habituated to human presence or that there is a food source nearby. Monitor the coyote’s behavior and take steps to remove any attractants.
Will trapping and relocating coyotes solve the problem?
Trapping and relocating coyotes is often ineffective, inhumane, and may be illegal. Relocated coyotes can struggle to survive in unfamiliar territory and can disrupt existing ecosystems. Other coyotes will likely move into the vacated territory.
What is the best way to dispose of dead animals on my property to avoid attracting coyotes?
Properly dispose of dead animals by burying them deeply (at least 3 feet), incinerating them, or contacting your local animal control or waste management service for guidance. Do not leave dead animals exposed, as they will attract scavengers, including coyotes.
How can I tell the difference between a coyote and a dog?
Coyotes typically have a more slender build than dogs, with a pointed muzzle, erect ears, and a bushy tail that they carry low. Their fur is often a mix of gray, brown, and red. Observe their behavior and physical characteristics to distinguish them from dogs.