So, how many coyote attacks on humans actually happen? Not a ton, honestly. Over almost 40 years, people have reported about 367 attacks in the U.S. and Canada, and just two of those led to deaths. Most of the time, these attacks don’t cause serious injuries.
Coyotes have moved into a lot of urban areas lately, which might make you a bit nervous if you live nearby. Usually, attacks happen when coyotes lose their fear of people—often because they start seeing human food as an easy meal. Just knowing this can make a difference in how you keep yourself safe.
Kids, especially toddlers, are more likely to get hurt in these rare attacks than adults. If you spend time outside or live close to places where coyotes hang out, learning why these encounters happen really helps. You can dig into more details in this coyote attacks study if you want.
How Many Coyote Attacks on Humans Have Occurred?
You might be curious about how often coyotes actually attack people. Attacks stay rare, but folks have noticed more reports as years go by.
The numbers, places, and seriousness of attacks don’t stay the same everywhere, so it’s worth checking the details.
Known Statistics and Notable Incidents
Since the 1970s, people have recorded around 367 coyote attacks in the U.S. and Canada. Most end up as minor bites or scratches.
California, especially around cities, sees more of these cases than other states.
Only a couple of attacks turned out fatal, with one death in Canada back in 2009. Kids usually face a higher risk of serious injury because they’re smaller. If you want to see how these numbers break down, there are studies that track incidents and details.
Coyote Attacks in Different Regions
Some areas in North America see more coyote attacks than others. California leads, especially in the south and around Los Angeles County.
More urban and suburban places near wild areas tend to have more cases pop up.
In Vancouver’s Stanley Park, over 40 attacks happened between 2020 and 2023. Most attacks happen when people try to protect pets or when coyotes get too comfortable around humans—usually after someone feeds them.
Fatal Versus Non-Fatal Attacks
Most coyote bites just cause minor injuries. Serious injuries show up less often, but they can happen—usually to children or when a coyote acts especially bold.
Only two deaths from coyote attacks have been reported in several decades.
Non-fatal attacks mostly involve bites to arms, legs, or attempts to snatch small pets. Knowing this helps you stay alert without getting overly worried.
Why Do Coyotes Attack Humans?
Coyotes generally avoid people, but sometimes things change and an attack happens. Their environment, food sources, or just getting used to people can all play a part.
Understanding these reasons makes it easier to stay safe.
Factors That Contribute to Attacks
Coyotes might attack if they feel cornered or threatened. If they think you pose a risk to themselves or their pups, they could get aggressive.
Sometimes coyotes start hunting pets or even small kids, and that can make them act bolder.
When coyotes lose their natural fear of humans, they become more likely to approach. This usually happens after they find food near people. Kids and pets face more risk, mostly because they’re smaller and easier targets.
Compared to other animal incidents, like dog bites—which happen thousands of times a year—coyote attacks are still very rare.
The Impact of Feeding Coyotes
When people feed coyotes, they mess with the animals’ natural instincts. Feeding makes coyotes see humans as a source of food, which can erase their fear of you.
This can make coyotes approach people more confidently, and sometimes even attack if they expect food.
Feeding also encourages coyotes to stick around cities and suburbs, where food is easier to find. Once coyotes rely on human food, they stop hunting as much, and that leads to more problems.
Experts say you should never feed coyotes or leave food scraps outside. Feeding puts you, your pets, and even your neighbors at risk.
Urban Coyote Behavior
Coyotes have really figured out how to live in cities and towns. They often dig through trash or eat leftover food people leave behind.
This shift in diet makes them act differently. You might notice they’re bolder now, and honestly, they don’t seem as scared of people as they used to be.
Sometimes, coyotes roam around in small groups. Other times, they’ll come surprisingly close to houses, just searching for something to eat.
These habits mean people are running into coyotes more often, especially if the animals think humans mean food. It’s not ideal, right?
If you keep your yard tidy and make sure your trash is locked up, you’ll probably see fewer coyotes hanging around. Understanding what makes urban coyotes tick can really help you avoid drawing them in and keep your family out of trouble.
For more details on coyote attacks and behavior, check out coyote attacks on humans in the US and Canada.
