The coyote is one of the most common and adaptable wild animals in North America. Generally speaking, it is a shy creature that isolates itself in rural and forest environments, although it can also survive in urban and other populated areas. It very rarely attacks humans, in fact only two cases of death have been confirmed in Canada and the United States. However, if you travel or if for some reason you reside in these geographic areas, there is a chance that you may come across a coyote in the wild, as well as in some populated neighborhoods.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Create an Unwelcome Environment for Coyotes
Step 1. Make your environment inhospitable
Most coyotes are no longer afraid of humans, and there are reports of an increase in sightings in urban and suburban areas. In other words, a coyote that doesn't run away right away when it encounters a person has probably gotten used to the human presence. You can prevent these animals from roaming the neighborhood by taking care of your surroundings in different ways.
- Keep trees and shrubs well tended to not provide hiding places for coyotes.
- Install animal-proof fences or other deterrents that are activated by movement, such as lights or garden sprinklers.
Step 2. Do not leave food outside both at home and on the campsite
The odds of encountering coyotes are increased by feeding wild animals directly and giving them access to garbage, pet food, or other food residues.
- Collect fruit that falls from trees and bird food from the garden and don't leave pet food outside.
- Close the trash and compost bin airtight using rope, chain, elastic bands, or weights to prevent coyotes from opening them. To prevent them from tipping over, attach the side handles to posts driven into the ground or keep the bins in a sheltered shed or garage.
Step 3. Be prepared for the possibility of encountering a coyote if you frequent its natural habitat
When hiking, carry a long cane or umbrella with you to defend yourself in case of an attack. It is also useful to have noisy devices at hand, such as stadium horns or whistles, in order to scare animals that try to approach; alternatively, you can keep containers of chemical solutions, such as pepper sprays or a water gun filled with vinegar. Make sure pepper sprays aren't illegal in the state you are in.
Method 2 of 4: Bump into a Coyote
Step 1. Do not approach and do not scare the animal if you see one in the wild
Typically, coyotes remotely monitor humans who pass through their territory, to make sure they don't disturb burrows. As long as the animal does not come close, you should continue to take care of your chores.
Only react more strongly if the animal approaches. Remember that most coyotes prefer to stay away from larger predators, including humans. Avoid turning a chance encounter into a dangerous confrontation by carefully evaluating the situation before taking action
Step 2. Pretend to be dangerous
To scare the animal and force it to move away, try to look big, imposing and aggressive as much as possible. Wave your arms and yell in a grave, commanding tone to scare him and induce him to retreat. Use tools that affect the animal's various senses, such as lights, sounds, and moving objects.
- Claim your territory. Maintain eye contact and keep moving to look like a big dangerous animal until the coyote leaves. Be constant and decisive in your behavior and gestures, making sure in the meantime that the animal has enough space to escape.
- Make yourself a source of danger and discomfort. Don't get upset from inside buildings or cars, as they can't see you clearly.
- Throw objects, such as sticks or rocks, to let the animal know that it is not wanted and that it should leave you alone.
- Spray it using a garden hose or water gun and make loud noises by hitting sticks together if you come across a coyote in a residential or urban area.
Step 3. Protect the most vulnerable members of the group
Immediately call your dog back and tie him on a leash, as well as other pets. Shield with the body to protect the children or place them in the center of the group by creating a circle with the other people.
Teach children how to behave in case they encounter a coyote while they are alone at home or in nature. Remind them to maintain eye contact and to throw rocks and sticks if they are found in a corner without adult protection. Explain the various situations and do training exercises
Step 4. Don't turn your back on the coyote at any time
It is an attitude of submission, weakness and fear; approach it instead by assuming a dominant posture.
Method 3 of 4: Dealing with and Fleeing an Attack
Step 1. Back up slowly and carefully to get away from the animal
Do this if your initial efforts to look big and aggressive didn't cause him to leave. As you walk backwards, maintain a dominant, strong posture and keep looking at the coyote.
Step 2. Never run away
This behavior increases the chances of aggression, as you cannot escape it in speed. Avoiding running may be against your first instinct, but it is an important preventative measure against the attack.
Step 3. Throw sticks or mounds of dirt if he gets aggressive
These animals show aggression by growling and barking. If you notice this behavior, try throwing sticks, dirt both around it and on its body; try not to hit him on the head, as it will increase his ferocity.
Step 4. Keep screaming and looking big
Try to back away again; the best strategy is to "tone down" when the attack seems very likely.
Step 5. Protect your throat and arteries if the animal pounces on you
These areas of the body are vulnerable to severe damage and bleeding if they are bitten.
Step 6. Avoid hurting him
Do not use poisons, because they are inhumane and illegal methods; they could also cause secondary and involuntary intoxication of domestic and wild animals. Don't try to catch or trap him, it's much more important to secure yourself and your group. Also remember that it is illegal to keep and tame wild animals.
Step 7. Go to the doctor or emergency room if you are attacked
You should definitely go to health care facilities if you have been bitten, so that you can get an evaluation and disinfection of the wound. In most of the reported cases of attacks, people have been bitten for feeding the coyote or while trying to save their pet. Rarely have people been bitten after being surrounded by a herd or a rabid specimen.
Method 4 of 4: What to Do After a Coyote Encounter
Step 1. Inform the authorities of the presence of any aggressive coyotes
If the event occurred in the area where you live, call the local police; if you have encountered the animal in a protected forest area or national park, report it to the forester or park managers.
Step 2. Write down the place and time you spotted the animal
If you come across a coyote within an urban area, notify the neighbors and the relevant animal control office; coyotes are creatures of habit. Change your routine if you meet one of these animals at the same time and place when you walk your dog.
Step 3. Report to the district for animal control, public health and other local authorities
Specimens that attack and bite humans must be identified and removed from the population; they are often tested for rabies and put down if they are infected. However, it is important to point out that a single attack does not justify a general coyote hunt. Remember that these animals rarely attack humans and only in exceptional cases.
