How to Repel Coyotes and Protect Your Pets
Coyotes are highly adaptable predators that have increasingly encroached into suburban and urban areas, posing a risk to pets and small livestock. While they play an essential role in the ecosystem, their presence can be alarming for pet owners. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to deter coyotes and safeguard your pets.
Understanding Coyote Behavior
Coyotes are primarily nocturnal but can be active at any time of day. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever is readily available, including small animals, pet food, and garbage. They are naturally wary of humans but can become bolder when they associate people with food.
Practical Ways to Repel Coyotes
1. Secure Your Yard
Install coyote-proof fencing at least 6 feet high with an additional outward-facing overhang or rollers to prevent them from jumping over.
Use underground barriers (such as buried wire mesh) to stop them from digging under fences.
Keep gates closed and repair any gaps in fences or walls.
2. Remove Attractants
Do not leave pet food outside. Store food indoors and feed pets inside.
Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent scavenging.
Pick up fallen fruit from trees and clear away compost that may attract coyotes.
Keep bird feeders clean, as spilled seeds can attract rodents, which in turn attract coyotes.
3. Protect Your Pets
Supervise pets while outdoors, especially at dawn, dusk, and night.
Keep cats indoors and walk dogs on a short, sturdy leash (no retractable leashes) when outside.
Use coyote-proof pet enclosures if pets need to be outdoors unattended.
Consider a coyote vest for small dogs—these vests have spikes and protective materials to deter attacks.
4. Use Deterrents
Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers to startle approaching coyotes.
Play loud noises (such as a whistle, air horn, or banging pots) if you spot a coyote.
Use coyote repellents such as ammonia-soaked rags or commercially available coyote-deterring sprays.
5. Practice “Hazing” to Scare Coyotes Away
If a coyote comes too close, hazing techniques can help reintroduce their natural fear of humans:
Make yourself look larger by standing tall, waving arms, or opening a jacket.
Make loud noises by yelling, using an air horn, or clapping hands.
Throw small objects (like sticks or tennis balls) in the coyote’s direction—not to harm, but to scare.
Maintain eye contact and do not turn your back while slowly retreating.
Long-Term Coyote Management
Community efforts are key—educate neighbors about keeping their properties coyote-proof.
Report aggressive coyotes to local wildlife control if they display persistent boldness.
Avoid feeding wildlife, as it can attract coyotes and disrupt natural food sources.
Support non-lethal control methods such as habitat modification instead of removal, as removing coyotes often leads to others taking their place.
Conclusion
Coyotes are a natural part of the environment, but taking proactive measures can help prevent negative encounters. By securing your yard, removing attractants, supervising pets, and using deterrents, you can protect your beloved animals while coexisting safely with wildlife. Stay alert, educate your community, and take action to keep your home and pets safe from coyote encounters.
