How to Survive an Encounter With a Coyote

Coyotes are generally fearful of humans, but can become bold or aggressive if they begin to associate humans with food. They're mainly active at dusk and dawn, but may be encountered at any time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Warm Jackets
• Backpacks
• Whistles

1. Raise your arms or hold a jacket or backpack over your head to make yourself look bigger.

2. Make loud noises by yelling or by banging things together.

3. Back away slowly while facing the coyote if it doesn't run away. Don't turn your back or run away.

4. Fight back if the coyote attacks you.

Tips & Warnings

• If you see a coyote but it doesn't spot you, quietly and calmly gather your belongings and leave the area.
• Keep children and pets close to you while hiking.
• Avoid feeding coyotes or other animals while in the wilderness.

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[melimelimelimel]

on 3/11/2009 I just moved to Lake Havasu City and have seen 3 since I've been here. We went to walk the dogs yesterday when we saw one in the middle of the street three doors down from my house. We all stopped and stared at each other. Then we backed away and all came back into the house. Freaked us out bc it was towards midday, not dusk, not dawn, middle of the day, middle of the street. We had my roomate's 3yr old girl with us so of course we were not taking our chances. We threw everyone in the car and walked the beach instead

[melimelimelimel]

on 3/11/2009 I just moved to Lake Havasu City and have seen 3 since I've been here. We went to walk the dogs yesterday when we saw one in the middle of the street three doors down from my house. We all stopped and stared at each other. Then we backed away and all came back into the house. Freaked us out bc it was towards midday, not dusk, not dawn, middle of the day, middle of the street. We had my roomate's 3yr old girl with us so of course we were not taking our chances. We threw everyone in the car and walked the beach instead

on 11/22/2005 If the coyote seems to be aggressive or territorial (should you happen to have encountered one), instead of showing fear try to match the coyote's aggressiveness toward you. If it charges or rushes you, rush it and scream at it or throw something at it to let it know you are not afraid.

on 11/22/2005 Coyote are natural predators and pack animals, if they see an easy free meal - they'll take advantage of it. We encroached on their environment and people just need to be better educated. Coyotes are very passive and submissive and would prefer not to be seen, or have a confrontation with humans.

on 11/22/2005 I live in Phoenix, where coyote attacks are quite common. There have even been instances where coyotes have entered homes and dragged babies away to have them for dinner. In the few years I've been here, I've seen instances like that at least 3 or 4 times on the news. Coyotes here in Arizona have come to associate humans with food.