Make a Coyote Unfriendly Neighborhood

Had a close encounter at my back door this week end with a very wily coyote. If we are vigilant we can make our neighborhoods less friendly for hungry coyotes. Here's how:

How to Make Your Neighborhood Unfriendly to Coyotes

Q: Why are they in my neighborhood?

Because of the recent fire and ongoing drought many wild animals have lost their habitat and are looking for new sources of food and water

Q: Is a coyote a danger to my family?

Most coyotes are leery of people and tend to stay away from humans. However, like any wild animal, they can be unpredictable and dangerous. While attacks on humans are very rare, young children should never be left unattended. Coyotes pose a significant threat to small pets.

Q: What can I do to make my home and neighborhood undesirable to coyotes?

Do not feed the coyotes either intentionally or by accident as this causes them to quickly lose their fear of people and become aggressive. Anyone who intentionally feeds coyotes is putting the entire neighborhood’s pets and children at risk of coyote attack and serious injury.

About 90 percent of a coyote’s diet is small mammals, but they also will eat birds, snakes, insects, fish, fruit and vegetables. They can be attracted to bird and squirrel feeders, bread that is fed to seagulls or ducks, pet food that is left outside and other unintentional food sources. Therefore:

·      Cats and dogs should be fed indoors, or if fed outdoors, food dishes should be promptly emptied and removed after pets have eaten.

·       Store pet food indoors or in sealed heavy-duty containers.

·      Use refuse containers that have tight-fitting lids to prevent raccoons, dogs, or coyotes from having access to household garbage.

·      Make sure ripe fruits are picked from the garden

·      Keep grills and barbecues clean. Even the smallest food scraps may attract coyotes.

·      Do not allow spillage to collect under bird feeders.

When coyotes find these types of food sources in residential areas they may lose their fear of humans and eventually test both people and pets as prey

Q: How do I keep my family pets safe?

Watch your pets: Keep small pets such as cats, rabbits, and small dogs, indoors, or if outdoors, keep them within enclosed kennels. Large dogs should be brought inside after dark. Never allow cats or small dogs to run free at any time, as they are easy prey. Remember invisible fencing is ineffective on coyotes.

Q: Do coyotes spread disease?

Because coyotes that come in contact with domestic animals may transmit diseases, vaccinate all pets for rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and other diseases, as recommended by a veterinarian.

Q: Am I in danger when walking my dog?

When exercising your dog, always use a leash, and walk only in populated areas of high pedestrian traffic. You may want to carry a walking stick or cane that you can use to fend off an attack. Try not to establish a regular routine in terms of route or time of day, as coyotes can learn your schedule and have been known to lie in wait to attack. Avoid walking pets at dawn or dusk, and avoid areas of dense vegetation or cover.

Q: What happens if I encounter a coyote?

If you see or are approached by a coyote, you should exhibit caution. Do not run away. Instead, yell, wave your arms, and/or throw an object at the animal. It is a good idea to carry a walking stick. In the case of a coyote attack on a human, call 911. 

Ask your neighbors to also follow the described methods in order to reduce the potential for conflicts with coyotes.

For more information go to UC IPM Online