In the wild coyotes eat small mammals such as rabbits and squirrels, but there have been plenty of instances when they have encroached on neighborhoods and attacked family pets.
Coyotes are infamous for attacking chickens and other farm animals, though it's been said that llamas are effective coyote repellent, as they make great guard animals and help keep coyotes away. Unfortunately, small dogs and cats are usually no match for a hungry coyote, and you probably don't have a llama hanging around.
Coyote sightings are reported in the suburbs across the country, particularly ahead of long winter months when coyotes are most active looking for food. The growing coyote population is many areas, so this puts them in a situation where they roam far beyond the treeline for food sources. A hungry coyote most likely won't think twice about attacking small pets (which make easy targets) if they haven't been successful in the wild.
In the meantime, some helpful tips are keeping pet food inside and garbage cans closed. Pick up anything coyotes might mistake for food. If you want to keep coyotes away, you have to make it difficult for them to get to any food sources. If you currently have a coyote problem, it's time to take care of it. It's best method is to be proactive and prevent coyote attacks before they occur.
Common Repellents to Keep Coyotes Away
1. Air Horn
Here's an easy one if you want to scare coyotes because they do not like loud noises. Blast an air horn if you've seen coyote tracks or have a reason to believe a coyote might be nearby. One customer gave it five stars and said when she used the air horn, the pack of coyotes near her home stopped whining and barking; they were intimidated.
2. Univerayo Predator Deterrent Lights | 4 Pack
A set of flashing red lights will scare away nocturnal animals without hurting them, and this set comes with four individual lights that are solar powered by day then shine brightly at night. If you're not sure where to put them, just remember your trash cans, pet homes, and garden areas are at risk for coyotes attacks, so arrange them at the appropriate locations and height for maximum effectiveness.
3. Wolf Urine
Coyotes are scary, but wolves actually prey on coyotes in the wild. If a coyote smells wolf urine and thinks any are in the area, they will flee on natural instincts. It's important to note that, much like animals in the wild, the smell will eventually dissipate and need to be reapplied. Also, if a coyote doesn't know the smell of a wolf due to its upbringing or area, there's a chance the coyote may not be as effected by this repellent. Still, it's a worthy choice especially in heavily wooded areas with known wolf populations.
4. PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor
Be careful with your pet doors. In the past, there have been reports of a coyote entering a doggie door. At least one tragic situation resulted in the coyote killing a family dog. Coyotes might do this if they smell pet food or filled kitchen garbage cans, or just happen upon the entrance. If the thought of a coyote coming into your home puts a bad feeling in your stomach like it does mine, protect your animals with a PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor.
This dog door has a programmable selective entry and exit, along with auto-locking options. Great if you also have a problem with raccoons coming into your home.
Many pet owners go as far as having a barbed wire or electric fencing around their house, but depending on where you live, that might not be possible. Short of fencing, your best bet is probably removing anything from your yard that might attract coyotes, along with putting out repellents.
This post was originally published on August 14, 2019.
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