So, a coyote’s chasing you—what now? Whatever you do, don’t run.
Running just flips a switch in their brains, and suddenly you’re prey. Instead, plant your feet, stand tall, and make some noise. Keep eye contact and slowly back away. Coyotes usually get the message: you’re not worth the trouble.
Wave your arms, shout, and try to look as big as you can. If the coyote’s still coming, grab whatever’s nearby—sticks, rocks, whatever—and toss them to scare it off.
Stay calm. Confidence actually helps here, even if you’re freaked out.
Coyotes don’t often go after people, but it happens. Knowing what to do can really change the outcome.
If you want more details, plenty of experts have weighed in on surviving a coyote encounter.
How to Respond if a Coyote Chases You
If a coyote starts chasing you, how you react matters. Stay calm, make yourself look bigger, use a loud voice, and back away slowly.
These moves help protect you and usually convince the coyote to leave you alone.
Stay Calm and Avoid Running
Don’t run. Seriously, just don’t.
Running wakes up their chase instinct. Try to keep your cool and breathe, even if your heart’s pounding.
Face the coyote and stand your ground. Turning your back or sprinting off just makes things worse.
Your calm attitude tells the coyote you’re not prey. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to stop the chase.
Make Yourself Look Bigger
Try to look as large as possible. Raise your arms above your head and wave them slowly.
Open your jacket or lift a backpack overhead if you’ve got one. Looking bigger can make you seem more intimidating.
Coyotes don’t want to mess with something that looks tough. Give them a reason to think twice.
Use Loud Noises and Hazing Techniques
Make noise. Shout things like “Go away!” or “Back off!” in your loudest, firmest voice.
Bang sticks, snap branches, or use an air horn if you have one. Toss small sticks or stones near the coyote—not at it, but close enough to startle.
These tricks teach coyotes that people are trouble.
Slowly Back Away While Maintaining Eye Contact
Once you’ve made your point, start backing away. Keep your eyes on the coyote, but don’t stare it down like you’re picking a fight.
Moving away slowly gives the coyote space to leave. Never turn your back or bolt.
Maintaining eye contact shows you’re aware and in control. That balance helps you get out of there safely.
Want more info? Check out how to stay safe during coyote encounters.
Protecting Pets and Preventing Future Coyote Encounters
Keeping pets safe and avoiding coyote visits takes a bit of effort. You want your yard and habits to be as unappealing to coyotes as possible.
Little things, like where your pets go or what food is around, can make a big difference.
Keep Pets Close and Pick Up Small Animals
Keep pets on a short leash, especially at dawn and dusk. Those are coyote rush hours.
Small pets—cats, rabbits, little dogs—are at higher risk. Coyotes see them as easy targets.
Bring little pets inside at night. If you’ve got a yard, don’t let them roam unsupervised.
When you’re out walking your dog, stay alert and keep them close. Wandering pets are just more tempting.
Staying near your animals means you can react fast if a coyote shows up.
Remove Pet Food and Secure Attractants
Don’t leave pet food outside, especially overnight. Food attracts coyotes—and sometimes rodents, which attract even more coyotes.
Clean up any spilled food around feeding areas. Keep pet food inside, sealed up so the smell doesn’t travel.
Lock up your trash bins and pick up fallen fruit or birdseed in the yard. Less food around means fewer reasons for coyotes to visit.
Never Feed Coyotes or Wild Animals
When people feed coyotes or other wild animals, those animals start losing their natural fear of humans.
That shift can make them bolder or even aggressive, which nobody really wants.
It might seem harmless to toss a bit of food their way, but honestly, it’s not doing them any favors. Skip feeding rodents too, and don’t leave scraps outside—coyotes will find those leftovers.
Wild animals need to find their own food. If you don’t feed them, you’re actually protecting your pets and the local wildlife.
You’ll also lower the chances of an unexpected coyote encounter.
If you want more tips on keeping pets safe or dealing with coyote visits, check out How To Protect Your Pets From Coyotes – Vetster.
