WHAT TO DO IF YOU HEAR COYOTES NEARBY

SUMMARY

Hearing coyotes nearby can be unsettling, especially if you have pets or livestock. While coyotes are generally shy and avoid humans, their presence signals a need for caution and preparedness. This guide outlines safe, practical steps to take when you hear coyotes in your area, including how to protect animals, discourage visits, and respond if you encounter one directly.

FEATURES

• Stay Calm and Alert: Coyotes are usually vocal at night—howls, yips, and barks are part of their communication.

• Secure Pets and Livestock: Bring pets indoors at night and use predator-proof fencing for outdoor animals.

• Remove Attractants: Eliminate food sources like trash, pet food, compost, and fallen fruit that may lure coyotes.

• Use Deterrents: Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, and noise makers can discourage coyotes from approaching.

• Practice Coyote Hazing: If you see one nearby, make loud noises, wave your arms, and appear large to scare it off.

• Report Unusual Behavior: Contact local wildlife authorities if coyotes appear aggressive, injured, or unusually bold.

GUIDE DESCRIPTION

Coyotes are highly adaptable and increasingly common in suburban and urban areas. Their howls and yips are often heard at night and serve as communication within their pack. While hearing them doesn’t mean danger is imminent, it’s a signal to take precautions.

Start by staying calm. Coyotes are generally not interested in humans and prefer to avoid confrontation. Their vocalizations are normal and don’t necessarily indicate aggression.

Secure your pets and livestock. Bring cats and small dogs indoors at night, and supervise them during early morning or evening hours. For outdoor animals like chickens or goats, use tall, buried fencing and lock them in secure shelters overnight.

Remove attractants from your yard. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and may be drawn to pet food, unsecured garbage, compost piles, or even birdseed. Clean up fallen fruit and avoid feeding pets outdoors.

Install deterrents around your property. Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, and noise devices can startle coyotes and discourage repeat visits. These are especially effective near entry points or animal enclosures.

If you see a coyote nearby, practice hazing. Stand tall, wave your arms, shout, or use a whistle or air horn. This shows the animal you’re not prey and encourages it to leave. Never run away, as this can trigger a chase response.

Report any unusual behavior—such as aggression, daytime activity, or signs of injury—to local animal control or wildlife services. In Roswell, Georgia, contact Fulton County Animal Services or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for assistance.

By responding calmly and proactively, you can coexist safely with coyotes while protecting your pets and property.

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