While it’s important to be cautious and respectful of coyotes, there is generally no need to be scared of coyotes as long as you take appropriate precautions. Coyotes are wild animals and, like all wildlife, they should be treated with caution and respect.
Cases of Coyote Attacks
Although coyote attacks on humans are rare, they can occur in some situations, particularly in areas where coyotes have become accustomed to humans or where their natural prey is small. The vast majority of coyote-human encounters end without incident, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take proper precautions.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, there have only been two confirmed fatal coyote attacks on humans in North America in the past 30 years. However, there have been numerous non-fatal attacks, particularly among young children and pets.
In many cases, these attacks are the result of human behavior, such as feeding coyotes, leaving small pets or animal food outside, or getting too close to coyotes. Coyotes that have become accustomed to humans may lose their natural fear of humans and become more aggressive.
If you encounter a coyote, make noise or use hazing techniques to scare it away.If a coyote approaches you, stand up straight, make noise, and try to make yourself look taller by raising your arms. Don’t turn away or run away, as this may set off a chase.
Here are some tips to help you coexist safely with coyotes:
- Never approach or feed coyotes. It’s important to keep your distance and avoid interactions with them.
- Keep your pets on a leash when walking them, and keep them indoors at night. Small pets can be seen as prey by coyotes.
- Secure your garbage and compost bins to prevent coyotes from scavenging for food.
- Keep your yard well-lit at night and avoid leaving any potential sources of food or shelter for coyotes.If you have a garden, consider installing a fence to keep coyotes out.If you have a coyote den on your property, don’t disturb it.
- Make loud noises or use hazing techniques (such as shouting, clapping, or using a whistle) to scare away any coyotes that approach too closely.
- Educate yourself and your community about coyotes and how to coexist safely with them. By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of negative interactions with coyotes and enjoy the benefits of sharing your environment with these beautiful and intelligent animals.
It’s worth noting that coyotes are generally wary of humans and will typically avoid contact whenever possible. However, they can become more bold and more aggressive if they become habituated to humans or associate people with food.
If you encounter a coyote while out walking, keep your distance and try to scare it away by making loud noises or waving your arms. If a coyote does approach you, stand tall, make noise, and try to make yourself look bigger by raising your arms. Don’t turn your back or run away, as this can trigger a chase response.
It’s also important to note that attacks on humans by coyotes are rare, but they can occur in rare cases. If you do happen to be bitten or scratched by a coyote, seek medical attention right away and report the incident to your local wildlife or animal control agency.
If you are respectful of coyotes and take the necessary precautions to avoid conflicts, there is no need to be scared of them. With a little knowledge and awareness, you can safely coexist with these amazing creatures and enjoy their presence in your community.
In some areas, particularly in urban and suburban environments, coyotes have become more prevalent due to habitat loss and fragmentation. In these situations, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure that coyotes don’t become too comfortable around humans.
Coyotes guard their burrows and can become aggressive when threatened. Work with your neighbors and the community to develop a coyote management plan, which may include education and public outreach, turbidity techniques, and coordinated efforts to remove food sources that might attract coyotes.
Remember that coyotes are an important part of the ecosystem and play an important role in controlling rodent populations. With the right precautions, it is possible to live safely and comfortably with coyotes. If you have a concern about coyotes in your area, contact your local animal or wildlife control agency for advice and guidance.
It’s also worth noting that coyotes aren’t the only wildlife you may encounter in your area. Other animals such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes are also common in urban and suburban settings. Many of the same precautions that apply to coyotes also apply to these animals. When encountering wildlife, it is important to remember that these animals are fierce and can become aggressive if threatened.
It is better to avoid contact and keep your distance. If you see an injured or sick animal, do not attempt to treat it yourself. Instead, contact your local wildlife rescue organization or animal welfare agency for help. These organizations are staffed with trained professionals who can safely and humanely deal with injured or sick wildlife.
In general, while it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with wildlife, there is no reason to fear them. With the right precautions and a little knowledge, you can safely and peacefully coexist with wildlife in your community.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.