What to Do If You See a Coyote in Your Yard

Coyotes are common in many parts of the world, often in suburban and rural areas, making it essential to understand how to safely coexist with these animals. Coyotes are pack animals, and while they generally pose no threat to people, situations can vary based on the size of the pack and the circumstances.

Steps to Take When You See a Coyote in Your Yard:

Stay Calm

Coyotes are generally more afraid of humans than we are of them. Avoid sudden movements that might startle the animal. Your calm presence might help prevent any aggressive behavior from the coyote.

Do Not Approach

Keep your distance. Do not try to feed or interact with the coyote. Approaching an animal, especially a wild one, can change its behavior and lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Make Noise

Scaring the coyote away is the safest option. Make loud noises such as clapping your hands, shouting, or using a whistle. You can also bang pots and pans together. This will startle the coyote and encourage it to leave.

Secure Pets

Bring any pets inside, especially small dogs and cats, as they can be seen as prey. Keeping pets securely indoors reduces the risk of conflict with wild animals.

Remove Attractants

Ensure that any food sources such as pet food, birdseed, or garbage are secured and not accessible to the coyote. Coyotes are drawn to easy food sources, so securing these items will help prevent them from frequenting your yard.

Observe Behavior

If the coyote does not leave or appears aggressive, you may want to contact local wildlife authorities for guidance. They have experience in dealing with such situations and can provide appropriate assistance.

Educate Yourself

Learn about coyote behavior and how to coexist safely, especially if you live in an area where they are common. Understanding their habits and needs can help you take proactive steps to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the coyote.

A note for those in the UK:

While you may not have coyotes in the UK, you can still apply the general principles of coyote management to other wildlife you might encounter, such as badgers or foxes.

Additional Tips:

Never feed wild animals as it can lead to dependency and conflicts. Report injured coyotes to local wildlife rehabilitation centers for proper care. Avoid contact with wild animals, even if they appear cute or harmless. Coyotes can bite, and they are potential rabies carriers.

By following these steps, you can help ensure both your safety and the well-being of the coyote. Coyotes, like many wildlife, deserve to live in their natural habitat without fear of human conflict.

Do you have any questions or experiences you would like to share regarding coyote encounters? Feel free to leave a comment below!