Taking your dog for a walk or just getting outside can feel relaxing, but spotting a coyote can really make you stop in your tracks. If you want to protect yourself and your dog, keep your dog leashed, stay calm, make yourself look bigger, and use loud noises or deterrents to scare coyotes off.
Try to avoid places where coyotes hang out, especially around dawn or dusk since that’s when they’re out and about the most.
Coyotes usually steer clear of people if you act like you mean business and keep your dog nearby. I always bring a whistle or some pepper spray—just in case I bump into one.
Being ready and paying attention lets you relax and enjoy your walk.
If you want more tips, check out this guide on how to protect your dog from coyotes.
Fundamentals Of Protecting Yourself And Pets From Coyotes
When you’re out walking, a few smart choices can keep you and your dog safe from coyotes. Pay attention to how you handle your dog and where you walk, and keep an eye on your surroundings.
Always Keep Dogs on a Secure Leash
A strong, secure leash is honestly one of the best defenses for your dog. Coyotes see loose or small dogs as easy prey.
Stick with a leash no longer than six feet so you can keep your dog close. That way, you’re in control and your dog’s less likely to wander.
Check that your leash and harness or collar fit well and aren’t worn out. Retractable leashes? I’d skip them—dogs can get too far ahead and that just ups the risk.
If you see a coyote, pull your dog right next to you. Coyotes notice when a dog’s close to its person, and it makes your pet look less vulnerable.
Stay Alert and Aware of Surroundings
Being alert makes a real difference. Watch for signs of coyotes like tracks, scat, or those eerie howls.
Keep your eyes and ears open, especially near bushes or in wooded spots. Try not to get lost in your phone or zone out with headphones.
If you spot a coyote, make yourself look bigger and use loud noises to scare it away. Keep your dog calm and right beside you.
Staying on your toes helps you avoid surprises and keeps your dog safer.
Avoid Walking at Dusk or Dawn in High-Risk Areas
Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk. Walking during those times—especially where coyotes live—just increases your chances of running into one.
If you can, walk in broad daylight. If you have to go out early or late, stick to main roads and well-lit areas.
Skip the hidden trails or thick brush where coyotes could hide. Walking at safer times just makes sense and gives your dog more freedom to sniff around without as much risk.
Responding To Coyote Encounters And Preventing Attacks
If you cross paths with a coyote while walking, staying calm and knowing what to do can make all the difference. Coyotes usually mind their own business, but sometimes they act bolder if they’re hungry or feel cornered.
Watch how they act, make yourself look big, get loud, back away slowly, and report any aggressive animals you see.
Recognizing Coyote Behavior and Warning Signs
Coyotes are clever and usually cautious. If one just watches you from a distance, it probably wants nothing to do with you.
But if a coyote stares straight at you, raises its hackles, or starts coming closer, it could be curious or even aggressive. That’s a sign you need to act.
Coyotes that seem too relaxed around people might have been fed before, or could be sick with something like rabies or distemper. Sick coyotes sometimes stagger or growl for no reason.
If a coyote follows you or doesn’t act scared, that’s a red flag—especially if you have a small pet or there’s food nearby.
Making Yourself Appear Larger and Making Noise
If a coyote heads your way, don’t panic. Make yourself look bigger—raise your arms or spread your jacket wide.
Face the coyote and use your voice. Shout, clap, stomp, or blast your whistle or horn if you brought one. Loud noises tell coyotes you’re not worth the trouble.
Try these:
- Raise your arms high
- Wave your jacket or backpack
- Yell things like “Go away!”
- Clap or stomp
Most coyotes back off when they see you mean business. This way, you can avoid an incident without hurting the animal.
Safely Backing Away Without Running
Never turn and run from a coyote. If you run, you might trigger its instinct to chase.
Instead, keep facing the coyote and back away slowly. Move steady and don’t rush it.
Pick up small pets or keep them tight on the leash. Letting pets wander, especially at dusk or dawn, just isn’t worth the risk.
Watch for thick bushes or brush piles where coyotes could hide. Stick to open areas as you walk away.
Reporting Aggressive Coyotes to Animal Control
When a coyote acts boldly, comes right up to you, or even attacks a pet, let your local wildlife authorities or animal control know. Jot down when and where it happened, along with what the coyote did.
Your report helps professionals track down problem coyotes. They can decide if they need to remove the animal.
Don’t try to catch or hurt the coyote yourself. Just call the authorities, and give your neighbors a heads-up—especially if kids or pets are usually outside.
Lock up your garbage cans, and don’t leave pet food outside. That way, you make your place less tempting and keep coyotes from coming back.
