Coyote attacks are on the rise, and it is important to know how to stay safe in coyote country. Coyotes are adaptable, intelligent, and opportunistic predators that have adapted to urban and suburban areas. Most attacks occur when the animal is defending its territory or its young. To avoid potential encounters, avoid walking pets during dawn and dusk hours, keep them on a leash, and secure food sources. If you encounter a coyote, scare it away by making noise and looking bigger. If attacked, fight back aggressively. Seek medical attention immediately if bitten.

Coyote Attacks on the Rise: How to Stay Safe in Coyote Country

Coyote attacks are becoming more and more frequent in recent years, and it is important to know how to stay safe when you are in coyote country. Coyotes are intelligent, adaptable, and opportunistic predators that have adapted to living in urban and suburban areas. Here are some tips to help you avoid a potential coyote attack.

Understanding Coyote Behavior

Coyotes are not naturally aggressive towards humans, and most coyote attacks occur when the animal is defending its territory or its young. Coyotes are territorial animals, and they will defend their territory against other coyotes or perceived threats, including humans.

Coyotes are also opportunistic predators, and they will eat anything they can catch, including small pets and livestock. They are attracted to areas where food is readily available, such as garbage cans, compost piles, and pet food. Coyotes will also hunt small animals, such as rodents, rabbits, and squirrels.

How to Stay Safe in Coyote Country

There are several things you can do to avoid a potential encounter with a coyote, including:

1. Avoid walking pets during dawn and dusk hours. Coyotes are most active during these times.
2. Keep pets on a leash and under control at all times.
3. Do not leave pet food outside, and secure garbage cans and compost piles.
4. When encountering a coyote, do not approach it. Clap your hands or make noise to scare it away.
5. If a coyote approaches you, make yourself look bigger by waving your arms and shouting loudly.
6. If a coyote continues to approach, throw objects at it without turning your back or crouching down.
7. If you are attacked by a coyote, fight back aggressively using anything available, such as rocks, sticks or your fists. Coyotes will usually retreat if they sense they are not winning the fight.

FAQs

What should I do if I see a coyote in my yard?

If you see a coyote in your yard, make noise and try to scare it away. Secure your pets and do not approach the coyote.

Are coyotes dangerous to humans?

Coyotes are not typically aggressive towards humans, but attacks can occur. It is important to take precautions when in coyote country to avoid potential encounters.

What should I do if I am bitten by a coyote?

If you are bitten by a coyote, seek medical attention immediately. Coyotes can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans through bites.

How can I keep coyotes away from my property?

To keep coyotes away from your property, remove food sources such as pet food and garbage. You can also install fencing, motion-activated lights and noise deterrents.

What should I do if I find a baby coyote?

If you find a baby coyote, do not touch it or attempt to pick it up. The mother coyote is likely nearby and may become aggressive if she perceives a threat to her young. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.

In conclusion, coyote attacks on humans have become more common. To stay safe, it is important to understand coyote behavior and take precautions when in coyote country. Remember to keep your pets on a leash, secure pet food and garbage, and make noise to scare away coyotes. If you are attacked, fight back aggressively with whatever is available. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors safely and without fear of coyote encounters.