How to Deter Coyotes: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Property and Pets

Coyotes are adaptable and intelligent animals, increasingly common in urban and suburban environments. While they play an important role in the ecosystem, their presence can pose a threat to pets and, in rare cases, even humans. Understanding coyote behavior and implementing effective deterrent strategies is crucial for coexisting safely. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed steps and instructions on how to deter coyotes from your property.

## Understanding Coyote Behavior

Before diving into deterrent methods, it’s important to understand why coyotes are drawn to your area and how they behave. This knowledge will help you choose the most effective strategies.

* **Food Sources:** Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods. Common attractants include:
* **Pet food:** Leaving pet food outside is a major draw for coyotes.
* **Garbage:** Unsecured garbage cans provide an easy meal.
* **Fruits and vegetables:** Fallen fruit from trees, gardens, and compost piles can attract coyotes.
* **Small animals:** Rabbits, rodents, and even small pets can become prey.
* **Denning Sites:** Coyotes may seek out sheltered areas on your property for denning, especially during breeding season (typically January to March).
* **Water Sources:** Ponds, streams, and even standing water in bird baths can attract coyotes, especially during dry periods.
* **Territoriality:** Coyotes are territorial animals and may frequent areas they consider their own.

* **Activity Patterns:** Coyotes are often crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. However, they can also be seen during the day, especially in areas with less human activity.

## Deterrent Strategies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Effective coyote deterrence requires a multi-faceted approach that combines eliminating attractants, using deterrent tools, and modifying your behavior. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started:

### 1. Eliminate Food Sources

This is the most crucial step in deterring coyotes. Without a reliable food source, they are less likely to frequent your property.

* **Secure Garbage Cans:**
* Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids that latch or clamp securely. Consider using bungee cords or weights to further secure the lids.
* Store garbage cans in a garage, shed, or enclosure whenever possible.
* Wait until the morning of collection to put garbage cans out on the curb.
* Regularly clean garbage cans to remove food odors.
* **Feed Pets Indoors:**
* Never leave pet food outside, especially overnight. This is a major attractant for coyotes and other wildlife.
* If you must feed pets outdoors, do so only during daylight hours and remove any uneaten food immediately.
* Store pet food in airtight containers indoors.
* **Manage Fallen Fruit and Gardens:**
* Pick up fallen fruit from trees regularly.
* Fence gardens to prevent coyotes from accessing fruits and vegetables.
* Compost food scraps in enclosed bins that are inaccessible to animals.
* Consider removing bird feeders, as they can attract rodents, which in turn attract coyotes.
* **Control Rodent Populations:**
* Eliminate potential nesting sites for rodents, such as piles of wood, debris, and overgrown vegetation.
* Use traps or other methods to control rodent populations.
* Be cautious when using rodenticides, as they can be harmful to pets and other wildlife.
* **Clean Up After Outdoor Cooking:**
* Thoroughly clean grills and outdoor cooking areas after each use.
* Dispose of food scraps properly.
* Avoid leaving food unattended during outdoor gatherings.

### 2. Make Your Property Less Attractive

Creating a less inviting environment for coyotes can further discourage them from visiting your property.

* **Trim Vegetation:**
* Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed to reduce hiding places for coyotes and other wildlife.
* Remove dense vegetation near fences and buildings.
* Clear brush piles and debris.
* **Install Fencing:**
* A sturdy fence can be an effective barrier against coyotes. Aim for a fence that is at least 6 feet tall and extends at least 12 inches underground to prevent digging.
* Consider using coyote rollers or angled extensions at the top of the fence to prevent climbing.
* Electric fences can also be effective, especially in rural areas.
* Make sure the fence is properly maintained and free of gaps or holes.
* **Secure Outbuildings:**
* Close and secure doors to sheds, garages, and other outbuildings to prevent coyotes from using them for shelter.
* Repair any holes or gaps in the walls or roof.
* **Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers:**
* Install motion-activated lights and sprinklers to startle coyotes when they enter your property.
* Position the lights and sprinklers to cover areas where coyotes are likely to enter.
* Adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensors to prevent false alarms.
* **Remove Water Sources:**
* Eliminate standing water in bird baths, ponds, and other containers.
* Fix leaky faucets and hoses.
* Ensure proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating.

### 3. Use Deterrent Tools and Techniques

Several commercially available and homemade deterrent tools can help scare away coyotes.

* **Noise Makers:**
* **Air horns:** A loud blast from an air horn can startle coyotes and discourage them from approaching.
* **Whistles:** A sharp whistle can also be effective.
* **Banging pots and pans:** Making loud noises by banging pots and pans together can scare away coyotes.
* **Motion-activated alarms:** Devices that emit loud noises when triggered by motion can be used to deter coyotes.
* **Visual Deterrents:**
* **Flashing lights:** Strobe lights or flashing holiday lights can be effective in deterring coyotes.
* **Scarecrows:** While not always effective, scarecrows can sometimes deter coyotes, especially if they are moved regularly.
* **Reflective tape:** Hanging reflective tape or streamers from trees and fences can create a visual disturbance that coyotes may avoid.
* **Predator decoys:** Decoys that resemble larger predators, such as wolves or dogs, can sometimes deter coyotes.
* **Taste Aversion:**
* **Capsaicin spray:** Sprays containing capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers) can be used to deter coyotes from specific areas. Be sure to follow the product instructions carefully and avoid spraying near your eyes or mouth.
* **Bitter apple spray:** This spray, typically used to deter dogs from chewing, can also be used to deter coyotes from chewing on objects in your yard.
* **Hazing:**
*Hazing involves making the coyote feel uncomfortable and unwelcome in your yard. This should be done when you see a coyote on your property, with the goal of driving it away and teaching it to avoid the area. It’s critical to do so assertively but without endangering yourself. Never approach a coyote directly, and always maintain a safe distance.

* **Yelling and Shouting:** Make loud, assertive noises. Use a firm voice and shout commands like “Go away!” or “Get out of here!”
* **Making Yourself Look Big:** Wave your arms above your head and try to appear larger than you are. Open your jacket wide to increase your perceived size.
* **Throwing Objects:** Throw small objects (like tennis balls, small rocks, or sticks) *in the direction* of the coyote, but do not aim to hit it. The goal is to startle it, not to injure it.
* **Using Water:** Spray the coyote with a garden hose or super soaker.
* **Using Noisemakers:** Use air horns, whistles, or shake cans filled with rocks or coins to create loud, startling sounds.
* **Persistence is Key:** Continue hazing until the coyote leaves your property. Do not stop until it is completely gone.

**Important Note:** Never approach or corner a coyote. Always maintain a safe distance and avoid direct eye contact. If a coyote appears aggressive or does not respond to hazing, back away slowly and contact your local animal control or wildlife authorities.

### 4. Modify Your Behavior

Your behavior can also play a significant role in deterring coyotes.

* **Supervise Pets:**
* Never leave pets unattended outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk.
* Keep pets on a leash when walking them in areas where coyotes are known to be present.
* Consider carrying a deterrent device, such as an air horn or whistle, when walking your pet.
* Train your dog to come when called, even when distracted.
* Bring small pets indoors, especially at night.
* **Walk in Groups:**
* If you are walking alone in an area where coyotes are present, consider walking in a group.
* Make noise while walking to alert coyotes to your presence.
* **Be Aware of Your Surroundings:**
* Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of potential coyote sightings.
* Avoid walking in areas with dense vegetation or limited visibility, especially during dawn and dusk.
* If you see a coyote, do not approach it. Maintain a safe distance and observe its behavior.
* **Teach Children about Coyote Safety:**
* Teach children to never approach or feed coyotes.
* Instruct children to stay away from coyotes and to tell an adult if they see one.
* Teach children to make themselves look big and make loud noises if a coyote approaches them.
* **Report Coyote Sightings:**
* Report coyote sightings to your local animal control or wildlife authorities. This information can help them track coyote activity and implement appropriate management strategies.

### 5. Community Involvement

Coyote management is most effective when it is a community-wide effort.

* **Educate Your Neighbors:**
* Share information about coyote deterrence with your neighbors.
* Encourage them to implement similar strategies on their properties.
* **Participate in Community Programs:**
* Attend community meetings and workshops on coyote management.
* Support local initiatives to educate the public about coyote behavior and safety.
* **Work with Local Authorities:**
* Collaborate with local animal control and wildlife authorities to develop and implement effective coyote management plans.

## Dealing with Aggressive Coyotes

While coyotes are generally wary of humans, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened, are protecting their young, or have become habituated to humans.

* **Recognizing Signs of Aggression:**
* Stiff body posture
* Raised hackles
* Teeth bared
* Growling or snapping
* Lunging or charging
* **What to Do If a Coyote Approaches You:**
* **Do not run:** Running may trigger the coyote’s predatory instincts.
* **Make yourself look big:** Raise your arms above your head and open your jacket wide.
* **Make loud noises:** Shout, clap your hands, or use an air horn or whistle.
* **Throw objects:** Throw small objects in the direction of the coyote, but do not aim to hit it.
* **Back away slowly:** Maintain eye contact with the coyote and back away slowly.
* **Report the incident:** Report the incident to your local animal control or wildlife authorities.
* **If a Coyote Attacks:**
* **Fight back:** Use any means necessary to defend yourself, such as kicking, punching, or using a weapon.
* **Protect your head and neck:** If you are knocked to the ground, curl up into a ball and protect your head and neck.
* **Seek medical attention:** Seek medical attention immediately after the attack, as coyote bites can transmit diseases such as rabies.

## Legal Considerations

Before implementing any coyote deterrent strategies, it’s important to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding wildlife management.

* **Check with Local Authorities:**
* Contact your local animal control or wildlife authorities to inquire about any restrictions on coyote deterrence methods.
* Some jurisdictions may have regulations regarding the use of traps, firearms, or other deterrent tools.
* **Avoid Harmful Methods:**
* Avoid using methods that could harm or kill coyotes, such as poison or inhumane traps.
* These methods are often illegal and can also pose a threat to pets and other wildlife.
* **Focus on Non-Lethal Deterrence:**
* Prioritize non-lethal deterrent methods, such as eliminating food sources, using deterrent tools, and modifying your behavior.
* These methods are more humane and sustainable in the long run.

## Conclusion

Deterring coyotes requires a proactive and consistent approach. By understanding their behavior, eliminating attractants, using deterrent tools, modifying your behavior, and engaging with your community, you can effectively protect your property and pets while coexisting safely with these fascinating animals. Remember to always prioritize non-lethal methods and to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding wildlife management. Regular monitoring and adjustments to your deterrent strategies may be necessary to maintain their effectiveness over time. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can create a safer environment for yourself, your family, and your community.