Living with Coyotes: Safety Tips for Suburban Families

HWCS Expert Team

It used to be rare to see a coyote in the city. Now, sightings in suburbs and even downtown areas are commonplace. Coyotes are incredibly adaptable and have learned that human neighborhoods offer an abundance of food (rabbits, rodents, pet food, and garbage) with very few threats.

Why Are They Here?

Suburbs are the perfect habitat. They provide “edge habitat”—the mix of wooded patches and open lawns that coyotes thrive in. Plus, humans inadvertently feed them.

Are They Dangerous?

Coyotes are generally naturally afraid of humans. However, habituation is a problem. When coyotes are fed (intentionally or unintentionally) or never chased away, they lose their fear. This is when conflicts occur.

  • Risk to Humans: Attacks on humans are extremely rare but can happen, usually involving small children or when a coyote is cornered/sick.
  • Risk to Pets: This is the primary concern. Coyotes view small dogs and cats as prey, and large dogs as territorial competition.

Safety Tips for Homeowners

  1. Do Not Feed Wildlife: Never leave pet food outside. Secure garbage cans. If you feed birds, keep the area clean, as the birdseed attracts rodents, which attract coyotes.
  2. Supervise Pets: Do not let small dogs or cats out alone, especially at dawn, dusk, and night.
  3. Fencing: A coyote can jump a 4-foot fence easily. A 6-foot privacy fence is a better deterrent, especially with “coyote rollers” on top.

What is “Hazing”?

If you see a coyote in your yard, do not ignore it. You need to reinforce its fear of humans. This is called hazing.

  • Make Noise: Yell, use an air horn, bang pots and pans, or shake a can filled with coins.
  • Make Yourself Big: Wave your arms.
  • Throw Objects: Throw tennis balls or sticks towards (not necessarily at) the coyote to scare it.
  • Be Persistent: Keep doing it until the coyote completely leaves the area.

If a coyote appears sick, injured, or refuses to leave despite hazing, do not approach it. Contact local animal control or HWCS for professional assessment.