If a coyote comes near, try to stay calm but act with purpose. Make yourself look big and loud—wave your arms, shout, and make noise to scare the coyote away. Don’t run or turn your back. Keep pets and kids close by.
Coyotes usually steer clear of people, so if one hangs around, maybe it feels comfortable or someone’s been feeding it. You can help keep them away by getting rid of food sources in your yard. Let your neighbors know too.
When you know what to do during a coyote encounter, it feels a lot less scary. If you spot one, acting quickly and confidently really matters.
Immediate Steps to Take During a Coyote Encounter
If a coyote comes near, what you do next can help keep you safe and convince the animal to back off. Staying calm and sending clear signals can make the coyote second-guess getting closer.
Move carefully and make yourself noticeable. Those are key ways to protect yourself.
Stay Calm and Avoid Running
When you spot a coyote nearby, try to keep your cool. If you panic or run, the coyote might think you’re prey and chase after you.
Take a deep breath and control your movements. Don’t let it see you’re scared.
Avoid sudden moves. Just stand still and keep your eyes on the animal.
Running or turning away can encourage a coyote to follow. Most coyotes just want to avoid people, so your calm attitude helps send that message.
Make Yourself Look Larger
Try to look bigger than you really are to make the coyote uneasy. Raise your arms over your head or spread your jacket wide.
Standing tall makes a coyote think twice about coming closer.
You can even take a slow step or two toward the coyote, looking strong and confident. Coyotes often back away when they feel outmatched.
If you’re with others, group together to seem more intimidating.
Use Loud Noises and Hazing Techniques
Make loud noises to scare the coyote off. Clap, shout, or blow a whistle if you’ve got one handy.
Coyotes really don’t like sudden, loud sounds and usually take off.
Try other hazing tricks too—stomp your feet, bang something, or toss small objects near (but not at) the coyote. Consistent noise helps teach coyotes that people aren’t safe to approach.
Slowly Back Away While Facing the Coyote
If the coyote stays put, start backing away slowly while keeping your eyes on it. Don’t turn your back or run, since that might trigger a chase.
Move at a steady pace. Facing the coyote shows you’re alert and not an easy target.
This helps you put distance between you and the animal without making things worse.
Preventing Coyotes From Approaching Your Home
If you want to keep coyotes away, start by making your home less tempting. Control food sources, protect your pets, keep up your fencing, and know when it’s time to call for help.
Secure Food Sources and Remove Attractants
Food is the main reason coyotes show up at homes. Secure your trash in wildlife-proof bins with tight lids or stash them in the garage if possible.
Don’t leave meat scraps or smelly food outside.
Feeding pets outdoors brings coyotes around too. Feed your pets inside and bring their bowls in right after.
Clean up bowls so nothing lingers.
Pick up fallen fruit and sweep up spilled birdseed. These draw rodents, which then draw coyotes.
You can add coyote rollers to your fence to keep them from climbing in for food.
Keep Pets and Children Safe
Small pets like cats and little dogs can be easy targets for coyotes. Always watch your pets outside and use a leash on walks.
Don’t let pets out alone, especially early in the morning or at dusk when coyotes are busiest.
Teach kids what to do if they see a coyote. They should make noise, wave their arms, and never run—so the coyote doesn’t see them as prey.
Set up a safe, enclosed play area that’s free of hiding spots near the yard.
Install and Maintain Proper Fencing
Coyotes can jump fences up to six feet and dig under them too. Build fences at least six feet high for the best chance of keeping them out.
Add an outward-facing mesh apron buried about a foot underground to stop digging.
Use coyote rollers on top to prevent climbing. Check your fences regularly for holes or weak spots and fix them fast.
Chain-link fences by themselves usually don’t cut it.
Contact Animal Control for Persistent Visits
If you notice a coyote hanging around often or acting aggressive, go ahead and call your local animal control or wildlife authorities. They know how to handle tough situations with coyotes and can do it safely.
Try to jot down every sighting, including dates and times—snap a photo if you can. These details really help officials figure out what’s going on.
Sometimes, if hazing and deterrents just aren’t cutting it, authorities might decide to start a removal program. Chatting with your neighbors and making sure everyone reports sightings can make a big difference in keeping your area safe.
Looking for more advice? Check out What to Do If Coyotes Are Near Your House.
