Ever wondered if coyotes actually attack people? Well, yeah, it happens—but honestly, it’s pretty rare. Coyotes usually steer clear of humans, but there have been some incidents where they’ve attacked, sometimes with serious consequences.
There’s even been one recorded case in North America where a coyote killed an adult human.
Coyotes now live near cities and towns more than ever, so you might hear about attacks more often than before. Most attacks happen when coyotes lose their fear of people or try to protect their food or pets.
If you bump into a coyote on a walk or hike, knowing why they act this way can actually help you stay safe.
Curious about when and why coyotes attack, or just want to avoid these rare run-ins? Let’s dig into what’s really going on and how you can protect yourself.
History of Coyote Attacks on Humans
Coyotes have attacked people across North America from time to time. Some incidents have caused injuries or, very rarely, death.
Most of these events cluster in certain areas, and researchers have tried to figure out when and why they happen.
Documented Cases in North America
Since the late 1970s, people have reported more coyote attacks. Southern California, in particular, saw a spike, especially in urban and suburban neighborhoods where coyotes got used to being around people.
Between 1977 and 2015, folks recorded at least 367 attacks in the U.S. and Canada.
Most attacks happened because coyotes got curious or wanted to protect their food or young. Both adults and kids have been victims, but kids seem to be targeted more in predatory attacks.
Coyotes generally avoid humans, so attacks often happen after they lose their fear—usually from finding food or trash left by people.
Notable Fatal Attack: Taylor Mitchell in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
One tragic case stands out. In 2009, Taylor Mitchell, a 19-year-old folk singer, died after a pack of coyotes attacked her during a solo hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia.
This is the only confirmed coyote-caused death in Canada. It’s a harsh reminder that while attacks are rare, they can turn deadly, especially where coyotes gather in groups and might see humans as prey or a threat.
Statistical Overview of Coyote Attacks
When you look at the numbers, most coyote attacks don’t lead to major injuries. There have been about 142 reported incidents causing harm to 159 people in the U.S. and Canada.
Types of Attacks:
- Predatory: 37%
- Investigative or defensive: 22%
Both adults and children have been attacked, but children get targeted more often in the serious predatory cases.
Attacks tend to go up when coyotes feel comfortable around humans—usually because people feed them or leave food out.
If you want to dive deeper, check out this analysis of coyote attacks on humans in the US and Canada.
Causes and Risk Factors for Coyote Attacks
Coyotes tend to avoid people, but certain things can make them act bolder or even aggressive. Their behavior, available food, and how humans interact with them all play a part in why attacks happen.
Coyote Behavior and Adaptations
Coyotes are clever and quick to adapt. They shift their habits to survive just about anywhere, including cities.
You might be surprised to learn that coyotes sometimes hunt pets or scavenge for human food. They usually avoid fighting people, but if they feel trapped or threatened, they can lash out.
Research from the Journal of Applied Ecology shows coyotes walk a fine line between fear and curiosity around humans. Their knack for survival near us often means being sneaky and cautious—but sometimes, that leads to trouble.
Impact of Prey Availability and Prey-Switching
When coyotes can’t find their usual prey, like rabbits or rodents, they look for other options. In some areas, they might go after bigger animals, but most of the time, they stick to smaller ones.
If their favorite food gets scarce, coyotes take more risks to eat—sometimes going after pets or scavenging near people. That’s when you see more human encounters, and the odds of an attack go up.
Prey-switching helps coyotes survive, but it happens more as cities grow or ecosystems change. Knowing this makes it a bit easier to understand why coyotes sometimes act out of character around people.
Role of Human Interaction and Food Conditioning
When people leave food out or feed coyotes directly, they change how coyotes behave. The animals start losing their natural fear of humans and begin to see people as a source of food.
This “food conditioning” makes coyotes come closer to people. Sometimes, they’ll act bolder—or even aggressive—when they’re expecting a snack.
Coyotes might bite or attack if someone startles them or tries to take food away. That’s not a situation anyone wants.
If you want to lower the risks, don’t feed coyotes or leave garbage where they can reach it. A few small changes in your routine can help keep both you and the coyotes out of trouble.
Researchers have found that unsafe human actions can actually increase coyote attacks over time. It’s worth thinking twice before tossing those leftovers outside.
For more on why coyotes attack humans, check out New Study Offers Clues Into Why Coyotes Attack Humans.
