Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Making Coyotes Inappropriate
• Method 2 of 4: Behavior when encountering a coyote
• Method 3 of 4: Taking Action to Deflect or Avoid an Attack
• Method 4 of 4: What to do after meeting a coyote

The coyote is one of the most abundant and adaptable animals in North America.In general, coyotes are rather shy and prefer to stay in rural or wooded areas, nevertheless they are able to settle in urbanized and inhabited areas. Attacks of coyotes on humans are extremely rare, and indeed only two deaths from such attacks have been confirmed (in Canada and the United States). However, when visiting and living in the countries of this continent, remember that there is always the possibility of encountering coyotes in the wild and even in the vicinity of a residential area.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Making Coyotes Inappropriate

1. 1 Create an inhospitable atmosphere for coyotes. Most coyotes are no longer afraid of humans, and there are an increasing number of reported encounters with coyotes in urbanized areas. In other words, a coyote that does not flee when a person appears is most likely used to the close presence of people. To prevent coyotes from roaming the area, you can make some changes to the environment.
   • Trim trees and bushes regularly so that coyotes have nowhere to hide.
   • Fence the area with an insurmountable fence for coyotes, or install motion-triggered light or water repellents.
2. 2 Do not leave food outside your home or campground. People themselves increase the likelihood of conflict with coyotes, as they feed animals directly or leave them access to litter, pet food and other food sources.
   • Remove fallen fruit from the ground, do not leave bird food outside and do not feed pets outside.
   • Secure the lids of dumpsters and compost bins with ropes, chains, rubber bands, or heavy weights to prevent coyotes from getting inside. To prevent containers from tipping over, secure the side handles with pegs hammered into the ground, or keep containers in a secure shed or garage.
3. 3 Be prepared for encounters with coyotes if you are often in their natural habitat. Bring a large stick or umbrella with you on your hikes in case of an attack. It is also helpful to have sources of noise with you, such as a sonic horn or whistle, so that you can scare off approaching coyotes. Additionally, you can use containers with chemical solutions, for example, a pepper spray or a water gun filled with vinegar.

Method 2 of 4: Behavior when encountering a coyote

1. 1 Stay away from the coyote you spotted in the wild and don't scare him. Coyotes often follow people as they pass through their territory to make sure their lair is not disturbed. If the animal is not approaching, just keep going about your business.
   • Only proceed to retaliate if the coyote begins to approach. Remember that most coyotes prefer to stay away from large predators, including humans. Try not to turn a harmless encounter into a dangerous confrontation and carefully assess the situation before taking any action.
2. 2 Try to scare the coyote. Scaring a coyote can make it move away from you. Make an imposing and menacing look, while being as aggressive as possible. Swing your arms over your head, yell in a low, loud and commanding tone of voice to force the animal to back down. Use available means that affect various senses (sources of light, sound and movement).
   • Stand your ground. Make eye contact and keep scaring the coyote until it backs down. Be consistent and persuasive in your behavior and be sure to give the animal a way to escape.
   • Draw the coyote's attention to yourself as a major source of danger and discomfort. Do not try to scare him from a building or car, as in this case the animal will not be able to see you clearly.
   • Throw sticks and stones to show your unfriendly attitude to the coyote and make him leave.
   • If you encounter a coyote in a residential area, douse it with a hose or water gun and scare it with loud noises, such as knocking flower pots against each other.
3. 3 Protect the weaker members of your group. Immediately call your dog (or other pet) over to you and put it on a leash. Cover the children with your body or place them in the center of the group, surrounding them with a ring of adults.
   • Explain to the children what they should do when they encounter a coyote in a residential area or in the wilderness. Instruct them to keep eye contact with the animal and throw stones and sticks if they are trapped and there is no adult nearby to help. Demonstrate and rehearse with the children how to act in different situations.
4. 4 Never turn your back on the coyote. It speaks of submission, weakness and fear. Instead, face the coyote and maintain a dominant posture.

Method 3 of 4: Taking Action to Deflect or Avoid an Attack

1. 1 Back away from the coyote slowly and carefully. Do this if your initial attempts to look aggressive and make intimidating sounds will not cause the animal to retreat. While stepping back, maintain an imposing dominant stance and keep looking at the coyote.
2. 2 Never run away from a coyote. This increases the likelihood of being attacked. You will never beat a coyote in speed. Refusing to flee may conflict with your gut instinct for self-preservation, but it is an important preventive measure to prevent a coyote attack.
3. 3 If the coyote becomes aggressive, start throwing sticks or clods at him. Coyote shows aggression with his growl. If he growls, try throwing sticks or dirt into the area next to or directly at the coyote. Do not aim for the head of the coyote, as this can increase its aggressive attitude.
4. 4 Continue to behave loudly and decisively. Then try to step away from the animal again. De-escalating a conflict is the best strategy when an attack seems highly likely.
5. 5 If a coyote attacks, protect your throat and arteries. These bite areas are prone to serious injury with a lot of blood loss.
6. 6 Try not to injure the animal. Do not use poison against coyotes, as it is inhumane and may even be illegal. Moreover, it can lead to subsequent poisoning of pets and other animals. Also, do not try to drive and trap the animal. This is important for your own safety (and the safety of your group). In addition, it is usually illegal to keep and domesticate wild animals.
7. 7 If you are attacked by a coyote, seek medical attention. It is especially important to see a doctor if you have been bitten, as the wound must be examined and washed. In most attacks, people either fed the coyotes themselves or tried to save their pets from them. On rare occasions, humans have been bitten by cornered coyotes, and even more rarely by rabid animals.

Method 4 of 4: What to do after meeting a coyote

1. 1 Report violent behavior of the coyote to the appropriate authorities. If you encounter a coyote in a residential area, contact your local municipal authority. If you encounter a coyote in a protected reserve or national park, notify the appropriate forestry or park administration.
2. 2 Remember where and when you met the coyotes. If the meeting took place in an urbanized area or in the suburbs, notify neighbors and the local animal control service. Coyotes are creatures of habit. Change your routine if you encounter coyotes in the same area at the same time while walking with your pet.
3. 3 For further measures, contact the animal control service or other responsible authorities. Coyotes involved in attacks on humans will be targeted on purpose. They will be tested for rabies and, if infected, will be euthanized. It is important to note, however, that a single attack by a coyote does not justify killing these animals. Remember that coyotes rarely attack humans.