Ever wondered what actually makes coyotes nervous or scared? You’re definitely not the only one. If you know what spooks them, you can keep coyotes away from your property in a way that’s both safe and pretty effective.
Coyotes get most scared of humans, loud noises, bright lights, and bigger predators like wolves or mountain lions.
Their instincts tell them to avoid danger and stay safe. Coyotes also don’t like big dogs or super noisy areas—those usually mean trouble for them.
If you understand what sets them off, you can handle run-ins or even stop problems before they start.
When you know what makes coyotes uneasy, you can take some easy steps to make your space feel risky for them. They’ll usually just move along.
Let’s get into what really scares coyotes and how you can use that to your advantage.
What Coyotes Are Most Scared Of
Coyotes act pretty cautious and react fast to anything that feels like a threat. Their fears come from other animals, people, loud sounds, and bright or moving lights.
If you know what makes them nervous, you can keep them away without hurting them.
Natural Predators: Wolves, Mountain Lions, and Apex Threats
Coyotes really do fear bigger predators like wolves and mountain lions. These animals can threaten their lives and take over their territory.
Wolves, since they’re close relatives, scare coyotes because they hunt in packs. Mountain lions hunt alone but are strong enough that coyotes stay away from their stomping grounds.
When these predators are nearby, coyotes act jumpy and alert. You might see them change their paths or hide more often.
Their instinct to avoid danger keeps them on edge around these bigger threats.
Humans and Human Behavior
Coyotes usually avoid people. They don’t want to get close and tend to keep their distance.
If you yell, wave your arms, or toss something nearby (but not at them), you’ll probably scare them off. These actions remind coyotes that humans aren’t safe to mess with.
But if they see people a lot and nothing bad happens, they might lose that fear. Feeding them or leaving food out just makes them bolder, which can get dangerous.
It’s really best to keep your distance and never feed coyotes—help them keep their healthy fear of people.
Loud Noises and Unexpected Sounds
Coyotes jump at loud, sudden noises. If you clap, yell, bang pots, or blast an air horn, they’ll usually run for it.
These sounds shake up their comfort and make them think there’s trouble nearby.
Noise works especially well at night or if a coyote gets too close. It just makes them rethink coming into your yard.
If you keep a noise-maker handy, you can protect your pets and property without hurting any animals.
Bright and Motion-Activated Lights
Bright lights, especially the motion-activated kind, work great for scaring off coyotes. If a light suddenly flashes, it can startle them and make your place look risky.
Some lights even mimic predator eyes, which can fool coyotes into thinking something bigger is watching.
Try putting up solar-powered motion lights around your yard. These help keep coyotes and other wildlife away after dark.
When you light up the area, coyotes get the message that it’s active and maybe a bit too dangerous for their liking.
Practical Ways to Keep Coyotes Away
If you want to keep coyotes out, you’ll need a plan. You can block their entry, get rid of things that attract them, and even use pets or other wildlife to help keep them away.
Every step you take makes your yard less interesting to coyotes and safer for everyone.
Physical Barriers: Fences and Property Protection
A good fence really helps keep coyotes off your property. These animals can jump, climb, or dig, so you’ll need more than a basic fence.
Put up a fence that’s at least 6 feet tall and use tough stuff like welded wire.
Make sure the fence goes at least a foot underground to stop them from digging under. Keep the bottom pressed tight against the ground.
If you add angled panels at the top that lean outward, you’ll make it much harder for coyotes to jump over.
Check for gaps or weak spots where they could squeeze through.
Motion sensor lights or alarms near the fence add another layer of protection at night. Fences work best when you use them along with other tricks, so don’t count on just one thing.
Removing Attractants: Pet Food, Garbage, and Food Sources
Coyotes show up where food’s easy to find. If you want them gone, you’ll need to take away anything that draws them in.
Keep pet food inside or tightly sealed. Don’t leave food or water bowls out overnight.
Use trash bins with tight lids and only set out garbage on pickup day. Don’t leave compost or food scraps where coyotes can sniff them out.
Take down bird feeders or clean up spilled seed often. These can bring in small animals that coyotes hunt.
If you stick to these steps, you’ll make your yard a whole lot less tempting for coyotes and other wild animals.
Pets, Large Dogs, and Urban Wildlife Management
Large dogs usually scare off coyotes. When a big dog barks or just hangs around, coyotes tend to back off.
If you walk your dogs, keep them on a leash. Coyotes like to roam around dawn and dusk, so it’s smarter to be extra careful then.
Watch your small pets closely outside, and honestly, just bring them in at night. Coyotes sometimes see little dogs or cats as snacks.
Try to keep your yard tidy. If you leave out toys or water bowls, you might accidentally invite coyotes to stop by.
Mixing good pet habits with some basic wildlife management makes your home a lot less attractive to coyotes. That’s really the goal, right?
If you want more tips, check out these effective ways to keep coyotes away.
