What to Do if You Encounter a Coyote in Nature and How to Handle an Attack, According to Experts

As beloved as our domestic canine cuties are, their wild coyote relatives can be a lot more intimidating! This is certainly true in the rare instance that you should spot one during a hike or while spending time in your backyard. Though experts say that the animals are generally not a threat, you may be wondering how to stay safe if you do end up in the same space. Below you’ll find how to best handle a coyote encounter and what steps to take to protect your own furry friends if coyotes frequent your neighborhood.

Why coyotes are a concern

Coyotes are medium-sized wild members of the dog family and are related to wolves and foxes. At one point, the animals used to only be found living in the deserts and prairies of the western United States and Mexico.

However, that is no longer the case! “Coyotes are habitat generalists and commonly utilize a wide breadth of spaces,” explains Joshua Tabora , furbearer biologist at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources .

This means that it’s possible to run into the wild dogs no matter what region or environment you live in. Even city dwellers may come across a coyote as the animals can also thrive in urban areas due to an abundance of food sources and a lack of natural predators.

For that reason, it’s best to be prepared. “Coyotes are getting bolder, so we need to remind them that they should be afraid of us,” says Rachel Levin, author of Look Big: And Other Tips for Surviving Animal Encounters of All Kinds.

What to do if you encounter a coyote in nature

Coyotes are generally more active after the sun sets and at night, but it’s still possible to observe them during the day. This means you could potentially encounter one during a daytime hike, especially if they’re in the middle of mating season (January through March) or when pups are leaving their family units (usually October through January).

So what should you do if you encounter a coyote while in nature? “The key to keeping an exhilarating experience with a coyote from turning into a cautionary tale is to remain calm,” advises Joe Bassett , founder, lead guide and survival instructor at Valiant Outfitters, LLC . “Running away in fear is about the worst thing you can do. It will trigger the coyote’s predatory reflex.”

Although they’re generally timid creatures (especially in their natural environment), a coyote might be too curious and start to approach you. In this case, you want to make yourself appear larger while also avoiding any sudden movements. This trick, also known as hazing, works best if you raise your arms above your head.

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If you have a pet or child along with you, you’ll want to pick them up while continuing to haze, says Bassett. This ensures they aren’t a target just because they are on the smaller side.

Also smart: Speak in a stern and steady voice, saying something like “Go away, coyote. You go your way and I’ll go mine.” “It helps to speak in a low register by lowering your chin and envisioning your voice coming from your lungs,” adds Bassett. “Slowly back away, maintain eye contact, and continue commanding the coyote to go away.”

How to handle a coyote attack

Thankfully, coyote encounters are rare, and an attack from the animal is extremely rare. However, it’s still a good idea to know how to defend yourself should you need to.

“If the coyote charges it’s time to yell, shout, and scream,” says Bassett. “Throw rocks and sticks.” If you have trekking poles with you for your hike, they can come in handy to swing at the animal.

You’ll want to appear as violent as possible, which should be enough to send the coyote in the other direction. Should the animal start to attack, you want to kick, punch and scratch as much as you can.

Once the animal has stopped and left you alone, seek medical attention immediately. It’s also a good idea to report the aggressive behavior to park rangers or other authorities as soon as you can.

What to do about a coyote in your yard

Since coyotes have adapted to a variety of environments, you may end up spotting one passing through your yard at any given time. Though it can catch you off guard, it’s not usually a cause for concern. “Coyotes are naturally avoidant and non-aggressive towards people, but may become habituated enough to human presence to make occasional appearances within residential areas,” says Tabora.

If you happen to be outside tending to your yard or garden when one arrives, stay calm! The odds are good it will leave on its own, as most coyotes are non-confrontational. But if the animal doesn’t try to flee right away, follow the “hazing” approach described above.

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A coyote stopping by your residence is usually more of a concern if you have other animals on your property. Luckily, there are a couple of steps you can take to keep your own critters safe.

“Owners of backyard poultry should ensure that their animals are kept in secure coops or enclosures,” advises Tabora. “It is also best practice for the owners of small companion animals to monitor their pets during their time outside, and keep them on a leash while walking or exercising them.”

See how one home owner began using an airhorn to help keep her own dogs safe from coyotes:

Staying alert to coyote sightings in your area can help ensure you are prepared and that everyone can co-exist peacefully!

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