Coyotes tend to be quiet, and are able to keep their distance from people and their homes. But there are real dangers from coyotes that have lost their fear of humans and found our pet’s easy prey.
Coyotes are known to attack pets and humans and are therefore a danger to children and adults. However, we feel that there are ways to reduce or prevent most attack incidents.
Six Steps to Avoid Conflicts with Coyotes –
1. Coyotes should not be fed
To prevent coyote attacks in your area, you must stop wildlife feeding. If coyotes are allowed to eat in residential areas, they may lose their fear of humans. They might then test people (and pets) for prey. Intentional feeding should not be allowed, such as at parks and yards. People often leave pet food and garbage out at night to feed coyotes. Although coyotes won’t eat bird food, they will eat rodents like squirrels and rats that are attracted to bird feeders.
Coyotes are increasing in numbers. You need to review your own actions and ensure that trash bins and compost piles are not used as food sources. While coyotes may have a natural tendency to avoid human food, this can change when there is a low prey population or if the coyotes learn to hunt well.
2. Don’t let your pets roam!
You may not know that coyote are common in your area, but they could be nearby. Don’t let your pet run wild. Dogs should be kept on leashes when hiking in parks. Outside pets even with fencing are at risk of being preyed upon and causing unnecessary conflict. Your pets should not be left outside unattended, even for a second. Electric fences are useful for keeping your pets safe, but not for keeping other animals out.
Coyotes can also be attracted by free-ranging domestic cats and feral cat colonies. To control this population, it is essential that domestic cats are kept inside and that feral cats are spayed or neutered. Coyotes may be attracted to food that is brought in by indoor cats when they are not eating outside.
3. Avoid running from a coyote
You can shout or throw anything at a coyote if you come across it. Do not run away. Don’t be a victim, if possible. If a coyote appears to be intent on protecting a specific area, especially during popping season, you may need to change your route in order to avoid conflict with a calm animal. Also, understand that seasonal patterns may occur and adjust your behavior accordingly. It is a good idea to bring a noise maker along when you go for a walk. Some have reported success in scaring coyotes off with shaking rocks.
When you see a coyote at night, it is important to be cautious. They may have become more comfortable around humans and could attack you more frequently. If a coyote approaches you, you should shout, wave, or throw something at it (don’t run away).
4. Repellents, fencing, or other measures may be useful.
While some repellents might work in keeping coyotes from small areas, such as yards or gardens, others may not be effective. Some repellents can be remotely controlled lights or sound-making equipment. Coyotes may be kept out of yards by fencing, especially if the yard is over six feet high with a roll-bar across its top. Reports of coyotes avoiding spray repellents (pepper Spray, etc.) have shown that they are not very successful. Installing a Coyote fence around your home is the greatest approach to protect your family and pets against coyotes.
5. Do not create conflict when it is not necessary
A coyote who is acting in a responsible manner should avoid humans and pets. Do not try to harass or haze the animal. It is crucial to show respect for each other.
6. Report fearless, aggressive coyotes right away
Report any coyotes that are aggressive or show no fear of humans to the appropriate authorities immediately. It is suggested that towns have a procedure for handling these reports. Aggression signs can be similar to that of domestic dogs.
You aren’t sure who to call if you have concerns about your coyotes. To resolve a conflict with a Coyote, it is best to contact your local animal control or police department. Every municipality and agency responds differently to coyote concerns. For more information, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. In most cases, the homeowner is responsible for removing a non-dangerous, or simply existing, coyote. If this is the case, it will be necessary to hire a licensed wildlife catcher. Professionals should be able to handle wildlife of any kind.
At last,
Coyotes have a wide range of behavior, so it is possible for their sequence to not be predictable. Understanding the difference between coexistence and true threats is essential. However, you can prevent coyotes from entering your house by installing a Coyote fence in your yard area.
