Spotting a coyote can be unsettling, but try to stay calm. Raise your hands to look bigger and slowly back away, keeping eye contact the whole time.
Don’t run—if you do, you might trigger their chase instinct. Instead, act confidently and keep the situation under control.
Most coyotes steer clear of people. If one doesn’t leave when you try to scare it off, you might need to get a bit louder or more assertive.
Shout, wave your arms, or toss small, harmless objects nearby. That usually convinces them to leave you alone.
It’s surprising to see a coyote near your home or yard. If you know how to react, you’ll stay safer and won’t encourage them to stick around.
If you want more info, check out what to do if a coyote shows up in your yard.
What to Do Immediately If You See a Coyote
When you spot a coyote, your response really matters. Stay calm, look confident, and keep an eye on any pets or kids nearby.
If you move slowly and make yourself look bigger, the coyote will usually decide to leave.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Try not to panic—easier said than done, I know. Pause for a second and figure out where the coyote is and if it’s alone.
Coyotes usually keep their distance from people, unless they’re hungry or feel threatened.
Check if the coyote looks sick or injured. If it’s limping or acting aggressive, don’t go near it.
Instead, get somewhere safe and report it to animal control or local wildlife authorities.
Look around and see if pets or children are outside. Bring them close right away and keep them safe.
Back Away Slowly and Do Not Run
If the coyote’s nearby, don’t bolt. Running just makes you look like prey.
Turn slowly and start backing away, always facing the coyote.
Move back step by step—don’t turn your back. That way, you keep your eyes on the animal but also put some space between you.
If you’ve got a jacket or backpack, hold it out to seem larger. Head for a safe place like your car or house, but stay calm.
Make Yourself Look Large and Make Noise
Stand up straight and lift your arms high. Wave them slowly so you look bigger and, honestly, a bit scarier.
Shout, clap, or bang something noisy if you can. A whistle works, too, if you have one handy.
If it’s safe, throw sticks or stones near the coyote, not at it, to nudge it away. Spray water with a hose if you’re close to one.
Keep facing the coyote—don’t crouch or turn your back until it leaves.
Protect Children and Pets
Kids and pets are especially at risk around coyotes. Always keep children close and teach them not to run or scream if they see one.
Pick up small pets as soon as you spot a coyote. Keep dogs on a short leash and don’t let them wander, especially at dawn or dusk.
If a coyote comes closer, calmly pick up your child or pet and start making noise. Move inside slowly, still making loud sounds.
Never leave pets outside alone. Also, don’t leave food out that might attract coyotes.
Prevention Tips and When to Contact Authorities
You can keep coyotes away by making your yard less appealing. Knowing when to call for help also helps keep your family and pets safe.
Remove Food Sources and Avoid Feeding Coyotes
Don’t feed coyotes or leave food outside. That includes pet food, trash, birdseed, and even fallen fruit.
If you leave food out, coyotes quickly learn your yard is an easy meal spot.
Seal your trash bins tightly and clean up after your pets. Feeding coyotes—even by accident—makes them lose their natural fear of people.
Less food means fewer coyote visits. Experts and wildlife officials agree on this one.
Secure Your Yard and Home
Put up fences at least six feet high to keep coyotes out. Check for gaps or holes they could squeeze through.
Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can surprise coyotes if they wander too close.
Keep pets indoors, especially at dawn or dusk. If they go outside, supervise them.
Make sure chicken coops and small animal enclosures are secure, since coyotes see them as easy targets.
These steps make your property less inviting and keep your animals safer.
Report Aggressive Coyotes or Repeated Sightings
If you spot a coyote acting bold—maybe chasing people or pets, or just refusing to run off when you try to scare it—go ahead and report it. Reach out to your local animal control or wildlife authorities and let them know what’s happening.
Seeing coyotes out during the day a lot, or noticing them stalking pets, usually means they’re starting to become a real problem. Local agencies sometimes offer education programs or even removal plans, depending on what’s going on. You can check out more details from urban coyote research groups.
When you report dangerous coyote behavior, you help protect your neighborhood and give experts a chance to handle things the right way.
