How to Ward Off a Coyote Attack

Why Coyotes Are Multiplying Near You.

In my neighborhood of older condominiums, coyotes are thriving. We see their tracks in the snow in the winter. We hear their howls and yipping puppies in early spring. Even though female coyotes are only fertile once a year, and breeding season is a short two to four week period in midwinter, coyotes are breeding and multiplying almost right across the street from the CVS and the dry cleaners. Coyotes are becoming habituated to urban and suburban environments, and it is a growing threat. No, it's not that we're encroaching on their territory, they are now multiplying in ours.

Why Wily Coyote Loves Our Neighborhoods.

Many of us live in what is known as a "subsidized environment" that is just dandy for coyotes to breed and thrive, but not so dandy for the safety of our pets and children. A "subsidized environment" is one in which there is an "unnaturally high amount of foods with an unnatural absence of threats." according to New York State wildlife biologist Gordon Batcheller. Think about it. Why would a coyote want to "go back to nature" when your unnatural environment is so abundant with food (cats, small dogs, bunnies, geese), water (your tranquil decorator pond) and shelter (that row of evergreens your yard backs up to)? "Wily Coyote" is an appropriate name!

Are You Providing a Fast Food Buffet for Your Neighborhood Coyotes?

Coyote behavior and aggression is all about finding food sources. And coyotes don't care if Snookie Ookums, your little Shi Tzu, has a pedigree or not. They don't care if your cat is just like a member of the family. And tragically, they don't care if your beloved three year old is a bright and delightful child. All they care about is food. And they are learning fast that where humans are there is usually a threat-free outdoor buffet of delicious creatures waiting for them.

My neighbors have seen coyotes staring at them through their patio doors. They have been approached by coyotes no more than ten feet away. Perhaps because Sir Pooch is a fairly rambunctious dog with a deep bark, who likes to leave his scent about every two feet outdoors, I haven't actually seen a coyote up close. I have seen their tracks from overnight visits, however, and spotted them walking on the frozen pond in the winter.

Don't Ignore That Coyote. Do Something.

A live-and-let-live attitude doesn't work with coyotes. If you have seen coyotes around your home or neighborhood, you need to convince them that you are a threat. What can you do?

Walk Tall, Make Noise and Carry a Big Stick.

I try not to take Sir Pooch out in early morning or at twilight, wily coyote's favorite hunting times. When we do go out, I blow a piercing whistle as we head out the door. (It's on a chain around my neck, almost as if I'm the referee at the coyote v. dog games.) I carry a big stick. Rocks would be great to have on hand too, but my throwing arm is a joke. I am prepared to blow, scream, wave my arms or a stick, whatever. At night, I keep all outside lights on until bedtime. And sometimes open and shut the garage door a few times with the garage light on to make noise before I let the dog out. I intend to have motion detector lights installed outside. Supposedly, coyotes are wary of full grown people walking, but my neighbor and I (she is as vertically-challenged as I am) have decided we should start carrying open umbrellas.

How Not to Attract Coyotes.

Don't feed pets outside. Or discard edible garbage where coyotes can see it, smell it, or get to it. And sorry, you need to get rid of your bird feeder or bring it in at night. It attracts small animals, and they attract coyotes. Trim or take out brush or shrubbery near ground level if it's dense enough for coyotes to hide in. Don't take your pet out on a retractable leash that allows it to get far away from you and appear to be wandering around.

Coyote Aggression Happens In Stages.

It starts with tracks or howls at night. Disappearing pets at dawn and twilight. Then come daytime sightings, and attacks on children and pets, even in proximity to adults. At that point, removal of coyotes by trapping or euthanizing may be the only safe option. (Timm, 2004) Coyote hunting is legal, but you need to check with your state's Department of Natural Resources about urban regulations.

Sources:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/06/0607_050607_coyotes_2.html
http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_coyote.shtml
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/vecase/Behavior/Spring2004/holmberg/Holmberg5.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5862638/coyotes_who_dine_on_pet_dogs_and_cats.html?cat=53
TIMM, R.M., R.O. BAKER, J.R. BENNETT, AND C.C. COOLAHAN. 2004. Coyote attacks: an increasing suburban problem.Transactions ot the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference 69:67-88.392