What to Do If You Encounter a Coyote

Photo USFWS Mountain Prairie (opens in a new tab), Public domain (opens in a new tab)

If the coyote is simply passing through

Stop, observe and give it room. If it is moving away, let it. A coyote that crosses a road, pauses in a yard or watches briefly from a distance usually needs no intervention. Calling attention to every normal sighting can unintentionally magnify fear without improving safety.

If it approaches or follows

Stand tall, face the coyote and make yourself conspicuous. Use a firm voice, wave your arms, clap or make other noise. If needed, move toward a safer open area while keeping the animal in view. Do not run. If you are walking a small dog, shorten the leash and keep the dog close. Following behavior near a den may be an attempt to escort a perceived threat away from young rather than predation.

Hazing has a purpose

Humane hazing means making a coyote uncomfortable around people without injuring it. Consistency matters more than cruelty. Loud voices, arm movements, whistles or a hose can reinforce the lesson that yards and people are not places to linger. Hazing is not appropriate when an animal is trapped, injured or unable to retreat.

What to do

• —Keep dogs on a leash six feet or shorter.
• —Pick up fallen fruit and pet food; secure garbage and compost.
• —Close gaps in poultry enclosures and supervise small animals.
• —Teach children to stand tall, make noise and move toward an adult rather than run.
• —Report genuinely abnormal, injured or repeatedly aggressive behavior to the appropriate local wildlife or public-health authority.

> Safety note: If a coyote makes physical contact with a person, or if there may have been a bite or saliva exposure, contact emergency medical/public-health professionals promptly.

A coyote encounter should change your awareness, not your worldview. Most conflicts can be reduced by controlling attractants, supervising pets and reinforcing a healthy distance between coyotes and people.