How To Keep Coyotes Out Of Your Yard: Humane Methods for Backyard Coyote Safety

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How To Keep Coyotes Out Of Your Yard: Humane Methods for Backyard Coyote Safety

Can you keep coyotes out of your yard? Yes, you absolutely can, by employing a combination of humane deterrents and preventative measures. This guide will walk you through effective strategies for residential coyote management and ensuring backyard coyote safety.

Coyotes are adaptable creatures, increasingly making their homes in suburban and even urban environments. While their presence can be unsettling, especially for pet owners and families with young children, it’s important to remember that humane coyote control is not only possible but also the most effective long-term solution. Understanding coyote behavior is the first step in keeping coyotes away from your property. They are attracted to easy food sources and safe denning locations. By removing these attractants and making your yard less hospitable, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of unwelcome visits. This article will delve into various coyote deterrents, discuss the importance of coyote proof fencing, and explore different types of coyote repellent. We’ll also cover proactive coyote prevention and effective coyote exclusion techniques to ensure your yard remains a safe space. This information aims to help you confidently manage deterring wildlife from your personal space without causing harm.

Why Coyotes Are Drawn to Your Yard

Coyotes, much like any wild animal, are driven by basic needs: food, water, and shelter. When these needs are readily met in a residential setting, it becomes an attractive habitat.

Food Sources

The most significant attractant for coyotes is readily available food. This can include:

• Pet food: Leftovers from outdoor pet feeding stations are a buffet for coyotes. Even kibble left in a bowl overnight can draw them in.
• Garbage: Unsecured garbage cans, especially those containing meat scraps or other appealing items, are a prime target. The smell can travel far, signaling a potential meal.
• Compost piles: Fruit and vegetable scraps, especially if they contain meat or dairy, can be highly attractive.
• Fallen fruit: Rotted fruit from fruit trees provides a natural food source that coyotes will exploit.
• Rodents and small animals: If your yard attracts mice, rats, rabbits, or voles, these will in turn attract coyotes, as they are natural prey. Overgrown areas or piles of debris can provide cover for these small animals.
• Bird feeders: While not a direct food source, spilled seeds and the small mammals that are attracted to bird feeders can bring coyotes into your yard.

Water Sources

While less common than food, readily available water can also be an attractant, especially during dry periods. This includes:

• Bird baths: Especially those that are consistently filled.
• Pet water bowls: Left outside and filled.
• Puddles: After rain or from leaky outdoor faucets.

Shelter and Denning Sites

Coyotes look for safe places to rest, raise pups, and escape harsh weather.

• Dense vegetation: Thick bushes, overgrown hedges, and tall grass provide excellent cover.
• Under decks and porches: These areas offer protection from the elements and a sense of security.
• Brush piles and woodpiles: Similar to dense vegetation, these offer cover and potential denning sites.
• Sheds and outbuildings: Unsecured sheds or crawl spaces can be used for shelter or denning.

Key Principles of Humane Coyote Control

Effective humane coyote control focuses on making your yard less appealing to coyotes by removing attractants and creating barriers, rather than resorting to harmful methods.

• Remove Food Sources: This is the most crucial step. Anything that smells like food to a coyote needs to be secured or removed.
• Eliminate Water Sources: While less critical, securing water sources can help.
• Reduce Shelter and Cover: Make your yard less inviting by managing vegetation and blocking access to potential den sites.
• Intensify Visual and Auditory Deterrents: Use methods that startle or confuse coyotes, encouraging them to avoid your property.
• Secure Pets: This is paramount for their safety and to prevent coyotes from seeing them as prey or a threat.

Implementing Coyote Prevention Strategies

Coyote prevention is a proactive approach that aims to make your property unattractive and inaccessible to coyotes before they become a regular presence.

Securing Food and Garbage

This is non-negotiable for successful backyard coyote safety.

• Pet Food Management:
  • Never feed pets outdoors. Bring food bowls inside after feeding.
  • If outdoor feeding is unavoidable, supervise your pets during mealtimes and remove any uneaten food immediately.
  • Secure pet food storage in a sturdy, animal-proof container, preferably indoors or in a locked shed.
• Garbage Control:
  • Use heavy-duty garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Metal cans are generally more secure than plastic ones.
  • Consider bungee cords or weights to secure lids if necessary.
  • Wash out garbage cans periodically to reduce lingering odors.
  • Store garbage cans in a secure location, such as a locked garage or shed, until collection day.
  • Rinse recyclables, especially those that contained food products.
• Compost Pile Management:
  • Avoid composting meat, dairy products, or oily foods, as these are highly attractive.
  • Ensure your compost bin is enclosed and secure to prevent access.
  • Bury food scraps deep within the compost pile and cover them with carbon-rich materials like dry leaves or shredded paper.
• Fallen Fruit:
  • Regularly collect any fallen fruit from trees in your yard. Compost or dispose of it properly.

Managing Yard Attractants

A tidy yard is a less inviting yard for coyotes and the prey they seek.

• Rodent and Rabbit Control:
  • Keep grass mowed short.
  • Trim overgrown bushes and hedges, especially those near your house.
  • Remove brush piles and debris that can provide shelter for small animals.
  • Secure gardens with fencing to deter rabbits.
• Bird Feeder Maintenance:
  • Clean up spilled birdseed regularly.
  • Consider feeders that dispense seed directly into a tray or that have baffles to prevent spillage.
  • Hang feeders away from your house and any dense vegetation that could offer cover.
  • If you notice coyote activity, temporarily take down bird feeders to discourage their presence.

Protecting Your Pets

Pets are vulnerable, and keeping them safe is a top priority.

• Supervision: Always supervise pets when they are outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
• Leash Laws: Keep dogs on a leash at all times when outside, even in fenced yards. Coyotes are fast and can easily snatch small dogs.
• Secure Enclosures:
  • Ensure dog houses and kennels are sturdy and secure.
  • Avoid leaving pets outside overnight.
• Cat Safety:
  • Keep cats indoors. If they must go out, do so only under strict supervision on a leash.
  • Consider an enclosed “catio” for outdoor access without risk.

Understanding Coyote Repellent and Deterrents

Once attractants are managed, the next step is to actively deter coyotes from your property. Coyote repellent and other coyote deterrents can be very effective when used consistently.

Visual Deterrents

These methods aim to startle or scare coyotes away through sight.

• Motion-Activated Lights:
  • Bright, motion-activated floodlights can startle coyotes and make them feel exposed.
  • Install these strategically around the perimeter of your yard and near potential entry points.
• Scare Tactics:
  • Placing reflective tape, pinwheels, or scare balloons in your yard can create unpredictable movement and reflections that may deter coyotes.
  • These are often more effective in combination with other methods.
• Predator Urine (Limited Effectiveness):
  • The urine of natural predators like wolves or coyotes is sometimes marketed as a coyote repellent.
  • While it may offer a temporary deterrent, its effectiveness is often short-lived and dependent on proper application and freshness. It’s generally not considered a primary solution.

Auditory Deterrents

Sound can be a powerful tool to keep coyotes away.

• Ultrasonic Devices:
  • These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can be annoying or frightening to animals.
  • Effectiveness can vary, and some studies suggest animals may become accustomed to them over time.
• Noise Makers:
  • Using motion-activated alarms or sirens when you observe coyote activity can help.
  • These can also be manually activated if you see a coyote.
• Radio/Music:
  • Leaving a radio on outdoors, especially tuned to talk radio, can mimic human presence and deter coyotes.

Olfactory Deterrents (Smell)

While removing attractants is key, some smells can act as deterrents.

• Ammonia-Soaked Rags:
  • Soaking rags in ammonia and placing them around the perimeter of your yard can deter coyotes.
  • The strong smell can be unpleasant to them. This needs to be reapplied regularly.
• Commercial Repellents:
  • Some commercial repellents use natural ingredients that coyotes find offensive. Read labels carefully and follow instructions.

Physical Barriers: The Power of Fencing

Coyote proof fencing is one of the most effective long-term solutions for coyote exclusion. A well-designed fence acts as a physical barrier that coyotes are unwilling or unable to cross.

Key Features of Coyote Proof Fencing:

• Height: The fence should be at least 6 feet tall. Coyotes are excellent jumpers and can clear fences of 4-5 feet with ease.
• Material:
  • Woven wire or mesh: This is a strong and durable option. The mesh should be small enough to prevent coyotes from squeezing through (no more than 2×4 inch openings).
  • Chain link: While common, chain link can be less effective if not reinforced, as coyotes can sometimes push it aside or climb it.
• Buried Bottom: This is critical. Coyotes are adept diggers.
  • The fence should extend at least 12-18 inches below ground to prevent digging underneath.
  • Alternatively, an outward-facing L-shaped footer of mesh or concrete can be installed at the base of the fence to deter digging.
• Inward-Facing Angle (Optional but Recommended):
  • Adding a 12-18 inch outward-facing overhang at the top of the fence can deter coyotes from climbing over. This angle makes it difficult for them to get a grip.
• Gate Security:
  • Ensure all gates are also at least 6 feet tall and have a secure latch that automatically closes or is easy to latch.
  • Gates should have the same buried bottom or footer as the main fence.
• Regular Inspection: Periodically check the fence for any damage, loose sections, or areas where digging might have occurred. Promptly repair any issues.

Types of Coyote Proof Fencing:

• Solid Fencing: While aesthetically pleasing, solid fences can be climbed by determined coyotes if they are not high enough or do not have the necessary overhang.
• Wire Mesh Fencing: This is often the most effective and practical choice. It can be made of sturdy gauge wire with small openings.
• Electric Fencing (Use with Caution): A carefully installed electric fence can be a very effective deterrent. However, it requires proper maintenance and signage, and its use may be regulated in some areas. It’s crucial to ensure it’s used humanely and with proper precautions for other animals and people.

DIY vs. Professional Installation:

Factor	DIY Installation	Professional Installation
Cost	Lower (materials only)	Higher (materials + labor)
Time Commitment	Significant	Less (done by experienced crews)
Expertise Needed	Basic construction skills, understanding of coyote behavior	Specialized knowledge of fencing and wildlife deterrence
Quality of Finish	Varies based on skill	Generally high quality and durable
Effectiveness	Can be effective if done correctly	Highly effective due to proper design and execution

For maximum effectiveness, especially in areas with high coyote activity, professional installation of coyote proof fencing is often recommended.

Creating a Coyote-Unfriendly Landscape

Beyond fences, modifying your landscape can further discourage coyotes.

• Trim Vegetation: Keep grass mowed short and trim back dense shrubs and trees, especially near your house and fence lines. This reduces hiding spots for coyotes and the prey they hunt.
• Remove Debris: Clear away brush piles, woodpiles, and any other accumulated debris that could serve as denning sites or shelter.
• Secure Outbuildings: Ensure sheds, garages, and crawl spaces are sealed to prevent access. Block any openings with sturdy materials.

Dealing with Persistent Coyote Activity

If preventative measures aren’t enough, and you are still experiencing coyote presence, you might need to escalate your efforts.

Direct Deterrence (When You See a Coyote)

If you spot a coyote in your yard, it’s important to react in a way that discourages it without causing harm.

• “Hazing”: This involves making loud noises and appearing large and threatening to the coyote.
  • Yell loudly.
  • Wave your arms.
  • Bang pots and pans.
  • Throw small, non-harmful objects (like tennis balls or pebbles) in the coyote’s general direction (not directly at it).
  • Turn on sprinklers if possible.
• Consistency is Key: Hazing should be done every time you see a coyote. This teaches them that your yard is not a safe or comfortable place.
• Never Feed Coyotes: Intentionally or unintentionally feeding coyotes will lead to habituation and increase the risk of conflict.

Reporting Coyote Sightings and Concerns

In some areas, local wildlife agencies or animal control departments can offer guidance or assistance with problematic wildlife.

• Identify the Threat: Is the coyote merely passing through, or is it exhibiting bold behavior, such as approaching people or pets aggressively, or trying to enter structures?
• Contact Local Authorities: If you have serious concerns about coyote behavior, contact your local animal control, wildlife agency, or a professional wildlife removal service that practices humane methods. They can provide advice specific to your region and the observed coyote behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can coyotes jump over a 6-foot fence?
A1: Coyotes are capable jumpers, but a well-installed 6-foot fence, especially one with an inward-facing overhang, makes it very difficult for them to clear. The combination of height and overhang is generally sufficient.

Q2: Will coyote repellent sprays work?
A2: Some commercial coyote repellent sprays may offer temporary deterrence, but their effectiveness can be limited and short-lived. They are best used as a supplementary measure alongside other strategies like fencing and odor deterrents.

Q3: Is it safe to leave my dog outside at night if I have a fence?
A3: Even with a fence, it is not advisable to leave small or medium-sized dogs outside unsupervised at night. A determined coyote can still find ways to get in, or your dog could be injured if a coyote attempts to breach the fence.

Q4: What is the best way to keep coyotes away from my garden?
A4: The best approach is to remove any attractants (like fallen fruit or potential rodent prey) and secure your garden with coyote proof fencing that is at least 6 feet tall and has a buried bottom.

Q5: Are ultrasonic devices effective for deterring coyotes?
A5: The effectiveness of ultrasonic devices is debated. While they can be a deterrent for some animals, coyotes may become accustomed to the sounds over time. They are best used as part of a multi-faceted strategy.

Q6: Can I trap coyotes on my property?
A6: Trapping regulations vary by location. In many areas, it is illegal to trap wildlife without proper permits, and traps can pose a risk to non-target animals and pets. Humane coyote control typically avoids trapping.

Q7: What should I do if I see a coyote behaving aggressively towards my pet?
A7: Immediately intervene using hazing techniques: make loud noises, wave your arms, and appear as large as possible. If the coyote does not retreat, contact your local animal control or wildlife agency immediately.

Conclusion

Implementing effective coyote prevention and residential coyote management requires a consistent and multi-pronged approach. By diligently removing food and water attractants, securing your property with coyote proof fencing, and employing humane coyote deterrents, you can significantly enhance your backyard coyote safety. Remember, the goal is to make your yard an uninviting place for coyotes, encouraging them to seek resources elsewhere. Consistent effort and a comprehensive strategy are your greatest allies in achieving harmonious coexistence with urban wildlife.