Buzz
Coyotes rank among the top ten most formidable predators in North America. While generally not a threat to humans, they can cause disturbances on your property and exhibit aggression when approached closely. Simply denying access to food sources (such as garbage) will aid in discouraging their presence. Additionally, erecting fences or employing other deterrents can help keep them at bay. Utilizing methods like noise, water blasts, and other forms of hazing can encourage coyotes to seek alternative locations.
Procedures
Making Your Property Less Attractive to Coyotes
Secure food sources. Coyotes are drawn to easily accessible food sources found outdoors, such as garbage and pet food. To deter coyotes, ensure they cannot access these tempting targets. Consider the following:
- Store garbage outdoors in bins with secure lids.
- If feeding pets outside, promptly remove any leftover food.
- Avoid leaving water containers out, as coyotes may attempt to drink from them.
- Keep birdfeeders clean and tightly sealed.
- If you have fruit trees, collect fallen fruit instead of leaving it on the ground.
Clear Vegetation to Eliminate Coyote Cover Remove low-hanging branches, shrubs, or dense vegetation from your property, leaving several feet of clearance above the ground. This reduces hiding spots for coyotes.
- Utilize clippers, hedge trimmers, or similar tools to prune lower vegetation.
Acquire a Guardian Animal Coyotes typically prey on small animals like mice and rabbits. Introducing a larger or more aggressive animal as a guard can deter them. Consider keeping a guard animal outdoors.
- Dogs, donkeys, and llamas are effective guard animals.
Establishing a Boundary on Your Property
Deploy Scent Deterrents Create scent deterrents by wrapping clean rags around sticks and soaking them in ammonia or spraying them with cologne. Place these around the perimeter of your property. Strong, unnatural odors deter coyotes.
- Replace the rags after rainfall.
Construct a Deterrent Barrier Coyotes are adept jumpers, but a fence standing 5 to 6 feet tall can deter them. Ensure the fence extends at least 6 inches into the ground to prevent digging underneath.
- An electric fence can also effectively repel coyotes.
Utilize Motion-Activated Sprinklers Position motion-activated sprinklers along the perimeter of your property. When triggered by coyotes, these sensors will activate, delivering a sudden blast of water that deters the animals. Coyotes dislike disturbances, prompting them to leave the area.
- These sprinklers are readily available at most hardware and home supply stores.
Install Outdoor Lighting Coyotes typically prefer low visibility and are naturally skittish. Bright outdoor lights increase visibility, dissuading coyotes from lingering in the area. Install bright outdoor lights around your home, yard, or areas where coyotes may be present.
- Strobe lights can be particularly bothersome to coyotes, so consider using them if available.
Deterring Coyotes Through Hazing
Generate Loud Noises If coyotes are spotted on your property, immediately create loud noises. Shout, clap, or scream to startle the coyotes. Alternatively, create a noise-maker by filling a can or bottle with coins, beans, or other noisy items.
Use Water Spray Equip your garden hose with high-powered nozzles capable of shooting water over long distances. When coyotes are sighted, direct the hose towards them and spray them with water. While harmless, this action encourages coyotes to seek another location.
Consider Non-Lethal Deterrents as Alternatives If necessary, explore non-lethal methods to deter coyotes. Shooting or killing coyotes may be an option in certain situations, but legality varies by location. Verify regulations with your local game management office or county extension agency.
- Paintball guns can serve as a non-lethal alternative.
- High-powered water guns filled with vinegar are effective coyote deterrents.
Responding to a Coyote Encounter
Stand Your Ground When encountering a coyote up close, avoid running, which may trigger a chase response. Instead, maintain your position and try to appear taller by standing on elevated surfaces like stumps or rocks.
- For added safety, pick up small children if they are nearby.
Avoid Approaching the Animal Coyotes typically prefer solitude and will likely retreat if you maintain a safe distance. Approaching a coyote may provoke fear and result in defensive behavior.
Make Noise Use vocalization such as shouting and clapping to deter coyotes when encountered at close proximity. Initiate noise-making as soon as a coyote is spotted.
- Instruct children to vocalize “Go away, coyote!” if they spot one, enabling adults to intervene if needed.
Show Assertive Behavior Maintain distance from the coyote while displaying assertive gestures to deter them. Wave your arms, stomp your feet, and throw objects like rocks or sticks. Equip yourself with items such as a broom, walking stick, or shovel.
- Consider carrying pepper spray for additional deterrence if coyotes are prevalent in your area.
