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What to Do If a Coyote Approaches You

Coyotes, who are often seen as sneaky creatures, have been taking North American urban areas by storm – making themselves comfortable among the tall buildings of cities and wide streets of suburban areas. Let’s have a look at why, and how you can keep yourself, and your pets safe!

Urban Coyotes

Coyote Image via Depositphotos.

Coyotes are extremely adaptable creatures and have moved into urban areas in North America because they can live an easier life! In urban areas, food is much more readily available and they have fewer threats and predators to fend off. Looks like these sneaky creatures are clever too, working smarter, not harder. 

Food

Coyote Image via Depositphotos.

In cities, coyotes have easy access to food from human garbage, pet food, and small animals like rodents and birds. Unfortunately, these wild animals don’t know that humans adore their pets and will hunt them too if they see the opportunity. But this is not to upset us, it is their natural hunting instincts that kick in. 

Freedom 

Coyote Image via Depositphotos.

The absence of larger predators like wolves allows coyotes to roam more freely and safely in cities, and if we’re honest with ourselves we’d also choose to live without looking over our shoulders all the time! This reduced competition contributes to their survival and thriving in urban settings. 

But, Where Do They Stay? 

Coyote
Image via Bob Haarmans, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

These highly adaptable animals can settle in almost anywhere! And urban areas offer them ample opportunities and spaces for their dens. They are often seen making their dens in parks, under buildings, or in overgrown lots. These dens away from the dangers of the wild, allow them to raise their young in a safe environment with an abundance of food! 

Human-Coyote Interactions 

Baby Coyote Yosemite National Park
Coyote. Image by jill@ghostbear.org via Depositphotos

Although coyotes are usually more curious than aggressive, they are still wild animals and should be treated as such! And as they become more accustomed to humans while living in urban areas, these encounters might become more aggressive, especially when food is involved. 

Stay Calm

Coyote, Tule Lake, California
Coyote, Tule Lake, California. By USFWS Pacific Southwest Region – Coyote at Tule Lake NWR, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22826609

If a coyote approaches you, the most important thing is to stay calm and assess the situation to determine its demeanor and distance. Remember, these animals are used to large predators threatening them, so you can make yourself appear bigger by raising your arms and slowly waving them. This might cause the coyote to rethink approaching you!

Loud Noises 

coyote
Image by David Nieto via Unsplash

Coyotes are not fans of loud noises! If you’re approached by one, you could clap your hands, blow a whistle, or shout to help assert your presence which might deter the coyote from coming any closer to you. 

Never Run

Coyote Image via Depositphotos.

These animals are hunters, and if you run away it could trigger their instinct to chase you! Rather, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact – this indicates that you’re not prey which could help prevent an attack. 

Small Animals

Eastern coyote. http://www.ForestWander.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 US https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/us/deed.en, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the first things to do when a coyote approaches you is to pick up small children and pets. This makes them less vulnerable, as coyotes often hunt animals smaller than them! 

Never Feed Coyotes

Coyote
Coyote on the roadside in desert area. Image via depositphotos.

Never, ever feed coyotes – or any wild animals for that matter! This will make them used to getting food from humans which could lead to aggressive behavior. Another preventative step you can take to avoid interactions with coyotes is to secure your trash and not leave pet food outside. 

Last Thoughts

close up of a coyote
Image by Priss Enri via Unsplash

Although it is possible to live in harmony with nature, we must always be aware that these animals are still wild animals. This means that we have to take precautions to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, while not causing harm to the animals we share the planet (and cities) with! 

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Coyote Image via Depositphotos.
Latest posts by Nelleke van Niekerk, BSc Food Science (Biochemistry) (see all)