Coyote (a type of coyote) is an animal that is often encountered and has a habitat in North America. In general, coyotes are shy and limit themselves to living in rural areas and forests, although they are also able to survive in cities and other human-inhabited areas. Coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare and, in fact, there have only been two confirmed deaths in Canada and the United States from attacks by these animals. However, you may encounter coyotes in the wild or in your home environment.
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Method 1 of 4: Creating an Uncomfortable Environment for Coyotes
Step 1. Make your environment uninhabitable for coyotes
Most coyotes are no longer afraid of humans and there are reports that coyote sightings in urban and rural areas are increasing. A coyote that doesn't run away immediately when it encounters humans may have grown accustomed to the presence of humans. You can prevent coyotes from roaming your environment by doing a few things.
- Keep trees and shrubs neatly trimmed to eliminate coyote hiding places.
- Install coyote fences or other motion-triggered barriers such as lighting systems or sprinklers.
Step 2. Do not leave food outside your home or camp
The likelihood of conflict increases if humans feed the coyotes directly or give the animal the opportunity to access litter, pet food or other food waste.
- Remove fallen fruit and bird food from your yard, and do not store pet food outdoors.
- Secure your trash and compost bins with rope, chains, bungee cord or weights to keep coyotes out of them. To prevent it from tipping over, tie the side handles of the trash and compost bin to a post stuck in the ground or store the trash and compost bin in a safe or garage.
Step 3. Be prepared to meet coyotes if you frequently visit the animal's natural habitat
When going up the mountain, bring a large stick or umbrella to guard against coyote attacks. It's best to have sound-making tools, such as trumpets and whistles, at hand to use to scare off approaching coyotes. You can also use a container that contains chemicals, such as pepper spray or a water gun filled with vinegar.
Method 2 of 4: When Meeting Coyotes
Step 1. If you see a coyote in the wild, do not approach or scare it
Coyotes usually keep an eye on humans passing through their territory to make sure you don't disturb the nest. As long as the coyote doesn't come close, it's a good idea to keep going.
Take further action, only if the coyote approaches. Remember, most coyotes prefer to stay away from big predators including humans. Avoid turning an initially harmless coyote encounter into a dangerous one, by evaluating the situation carefully before taking any particular action
Step 2. Take action to scare the animal
Make yourself look as big, impressive and as aggressive as possible. Wave your arms over your head and shout in a low but loud and powerful tone to scare the coyotes away. Use tools that stimulate the animal's various senses, such as those that use light, sound and movement.
- Stay where you are. Make eye contact and move to scare the coyote back. Always be consistent and firm in behavior and demeanor and make sure there is room for the animal to escape.
- Keep the coyote's attention focused on you and make the animal think that you are a source of danger and discomfort. Don't scare coyotes from inside buildings or cars, as they won't be able to see you clearly.
- Throw objects such as sticks and stones to make the coyote feel uncomfortable and leave you alone.
- Spray water from a hose or water gun and make a noise by banging on pots when you are approached by a coyote in a residential area.
Step 3. Protect the weakest people in your group
Immediately call and leash a dog or other pet. Protect the children with your body, place them in the center of the group and make a circle around them.
Teach children what to do if they encounter a coyote when alone in the house or in the wild. Teach them to maintain eye contact with the coyote and to throw rocks or sticks if they are cornered and no adult can help. Show and train your children to deal with different situations
Step 4. Do not turn your back towards the coyote under any circumstances
It denotes submissiveness, weakness and fear; instead, turn your face to the coyote to maintain a dominant posture.
Method 3 of 4: Confronting and Escape from Attacks
Step 1. Back away slowly and carefully from the coyote
Do this if your initial attempts to look and sound aggressive don't force the coyote to back down. As you move away, keep your position dominant and strong and continue to face the coyote.
Step 2. Never run from a coyote
Running away from a coyote can increase your chances of being attacked. After all, you can never outrun him. Not to run away from a coyote may go against your instincts, but it's an important preventive measure against the animal's attack.
Step 3. Throw a stick or handful of dirt if the coyote becomes aggressive
The Coyote shows its aggressiveness by growling and grinning. If you see this behavior, try to throw the stick or the ground, either near the coyote or at the coyote itself. Avoid attacking the coyote's head as this may increase its aggressiveness.
Step 4. Continue to speak loudly and firmly
Try again to back away from the coyote. Reducing tension is the best strategy when the attack potential is increasing.
Step 5. Protect your neck and arteries when the coyote strikes
This area is prone to serious injury and blood loss from bites.
Step 6. Don't hurt the animal
Do not use poison against coyotes as this is inhumane and may also be illegal. The use of poison can cause poisoning to other animals. Further, do not try to catch coyotes. The most important thing is that you and your group are safe. In addition, capturing wild animals and domesticating them is illegal.
Step 7. Consult a doctor or other medical personnel if attacked
You should seek medical attention especially if you are bitten so that your wound can be cleaned and treated. In most cases to this day, coyotes attack when humans feed them or when humans are trying to save pets and other animals from the animal's attack. Coyotes rarely bite humans because they are cornered, and less often because they are angry.
Method 4 of 4: Follow Up After Meeting Coyote
Step 1. Report aggressive coyote behavior to the appropriate authorities
If this behavior occurs on your property, consult your local community leader. For attacks in protected forests or national parks, report to the Forestry Office or Protected Forest Management Office.
Step 2. Record when and where you meet the coyotes
If you meet in an urban or rural area, share the information with your neighbors and report it to your local Animal Protection Office. Coyotes are animals that build certain habits. Be sure to change your habits if you see a coyote at the same time and place as your regular walking schedule.
Step 3. Follow up with health agencies, animal control or other authorities
Coyotes that attack and bite will be caught and removed from the population. The coyote will be tested for rabies and killed if found to be infected. However, keep in mind that the attack of one coyote does not mean the killing of the entire group. Remember that coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare.