What to Do When a Coyote Visits Your Patio: Safety and Humor in Action

The unexpected sighting of a coyote lounging on your patio furniture can be both amusing and concerning. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the wild creature. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to handle this situation with both caution and a touch of humor.

Steps for Handling a Coyote Visit

First and foremost, prioritize your safety and that of your family and pets. Here are some steps you should follow:

1. Stay Indoors for Safety

The best move is to stay indoors. This way, you avoid any potential dangerous encounters with the coyote. Loud noises, such as banging pots and pans or shouting, can help scare the coyote away without putting yourself in harm's way.

2. Secure Your Trash and Pets

Animals like coyotes are often attracted to easily accessible food. Make sure your garbage is securely sealed in wildlife-proof containers and keep pet food indoors. Additionally, keep your pets indoors until the coyote has left the area.

3. Use Deterrent Measures

For future visits, consider using motion-activated lights or sprinklers near your patio. These measures can help deter coyotes from returning.

4. Contact Wildlife Professionals

If the coyote appears to be sick or aggressive, it's crucial to call local wildlife experts. They can relocate the animal without causing it harm. Avoid approaching or attempting to handle the coyote yourself.

5. Do Not Feed the Coyote

Never feed the coyote. Feeding wildlife can make them more comfortable around humans, leading to recurring visits and potential danger to both the animal and people.

A Laugh at the Unexpected

Reflecting back, there was a humorous story from the 1970s when sex workers in the San Francisco Bay area formed a union. They chose the logo "COYOTEs" to inject a bit of fun into their work. In a similar vein, if you find a coyote on your patio, you might humorously offer it a martini instead of trying to engage with it. However, it's essential to stay inside and avoid any actual interaction that could be dangerous for both you and the animal.

What If You're in the UK?

If you live in the UK, you might wonder how relevant this advice is. In the UK, we don’t have zoos or safari parks within residential areas. However, it’s still useful to know the general steps to take if you encounter such a situation. After all, a friendly tap on the shoulder from a local wildlife expert might be more surprising than a visit from a coyote.

Prevent Future Coyote Visits

Coyotes typically avoid human contact. To discourage future visits, avoid leaving tempting foods or accessible garbage around your home. Since coyotes are attracted to easily accessible food sources, taking these precautions can help ensure that your patio remains a peaceful, human-only zone.

Remember: Always err on the side of caution. Prioritize your safety and the well-being of wildlife. If in doubt, contact local wildlife professionals for assistance.