Coyote attacks on humans are rare, but a quick internet search will list hundreds of these incidents. The greatest number of interactions are with children under five years of age. At this time, two deaths have resulted from coyote attacks. A four-year-old child and a 19-year-old female jogger in Nova Scotia were the victims. Coyotes attack on their own and also in packs.
Coyotes are very adaptable and, unlike other predators, they thrive living in our urban environment. A coyote that does not run away when encountering humans is most likely accustomed to or habituated to people. This often occurs when a coyote has been fed by humans through handouts (intentional feeding by humans), by leaving pet food outside, through unsecured garbage or with bird seed from feeders. Coyotes that come to depend on these food sources are more inclined to approach humans, looking for a handout, and may also display a “too tame” attitude or have aggressive behaviour.
When coyotes become habituated, hazing can reinstill the natural fear of humans. Hazing is employing a variety of scare tactics to teach coyotes to regard humans as threatening and to avoid them.
Often coyote problems are preventable by modifying human behaviour and teaching people ways to prevent habituation. In many human-attack situations, it turned out that the coyote(s) were being fed by the humans. In other instances, people were bitten while trying to rescue their free-roaming or even leashed pet from an attack. Children are vulnerable because they are small, make quick movements and make lots of different sounds.
Avoiding coyotes
- Do not feed coyotes.
- Do not feed pets outdoors.
- Do not allow pets to run free.
- Clean-up spilled bird seed. Coyotes are attracted to the small mammals and birds around a feeder.
- Install a high-quality fence that extends six inches beneath the ground.
- When you encounter a coyote, be loud and aggressive, wave your arms and throw sticks and stones. Pick up small children and pets.
- Take action to deter the coyote in every encounter.
- Teach children that coyotes are dangerous.
- Suggest these tips to neighbours.
Similar to bears, wolves and foxes, it is usually human behaviour that creates or worsens the problem.
