What should I know about coyote behavior?
Coyotes are adaptable animals that eat a wide range of foods, including small mammals, fruit, insects and carrion, and will take pet food, poultry or small livestock when easy. They are often most active at dawn, dusk and night.
Iowa State University Extension and NC State Extension describe coyotes as common and not usually a threat to people, but they can be a risk to pets and farm animals left unprotected.
Their numbers and behavior vary by region and season. Spring pup-raising season may bring more activity near dens, and winter food shortages can push animals closer to farms.
How do I protect poultry and small livestock?
Shut animals in secure housing every night. Use tall, tight fencing with a buried or outward-turned bottom, and consider electric wire on top of or along fences. Check for gaps and digging.
Newborn animals and small stock are most vulnerable. Keep them close to buildings or in protected pens, especially during birthing seasons, and check pastures often.
Livestock guardian animals can add protection, but they require training and care. Discuss the idea with your extension office before buying, and consider costs in categories such as feed, health care and fencing.
- Secure housing at night
- Tall fencing with no gaps
- Extra care for newborn or small animals
- Regular checks of fences and pastures
How do I keep pets safe?
Keep cats indoors and small dogs on a leash or supervised, especially at dawn, dusk and night. Do not leave pet food outside. Walk dogs on a leash and keep them under control.
If you see a coyote near your home or pets, make noise and appear large. Do not run. Keep pets away and bring them inside.
Walk your dog on a leash even on your own land at dusk, and carry a flashlight. Keep outdoor pets in secure pens at night, and check them in the morning for any sign of injury.
What removes coyote attractions?
Remove food: store garbage in secure containers, pick up fallen fruit, keep compost closed, clean up spilled feed and keep pet food indoors. Do not feed wildlife on purpose.
Reduce rodents, which draw coyotes. Keep feed secured and grounds tidy. Brush and tall grass near buildings give hiding places, so manage them.
Talk with neighbors too. A chicken coop left open or a bird feeder that draws rodents down the road can bring coyotes into your area, so shared habits matter.
- Secure garbage and compost
- Pick up fallen fruit
- Feed pets indoors
- Control rodents by securing feed
- Trim brush near buildings
What about hazing and deterrents?
Hazing means making coyotes feel unwelcome through noise, motion or light. Yelling, clapping or using a safe noise maker can discourage visits. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and other state agencies describe hazing methods for people and pets.
Use hazing consistently, since coyotes learn quickly. Check with your wildlife agency for approved methods, and do not use methods that could harm animals or people.
Teach family members, including children, how to respond. Practice what to do in a calm voice so that everyone knows the plan before a coyote appears.
What are the legal and safety issues?
Rules on trapping, hunting and removing coyotes differ by state, county and season, and local restrictions on firearms apply. Contact your state wildlife agency before taking lethal action, and get qualified help if you are not experienced.
Never approach or feed a coyote. If one appears sick, fearless or aggressive, call animal control or your wildlife agency. Rabies and other diseases are possible, so if a person is bitten, they need medical care right away. Animals need a veterinarian.
If you suspect rabies or another disease in an animal that has been in contact with people or pets, call your local health department right away and keep others away from the animal.
How do I live with coyotes long term?
Make a plan with your household and neighbors. Coyote problems are easiest to solve when everyone removes food and secures animals. Share what you learn and report unusual behavior to the proper agency.
Accept that some presence is normal. A coyote passing through is not necessarily a problem. Respond to patterns, such as repeated visits or threats to animals, rather than single sightings.
Take photos and keep dates when coyotes appear. A record of sightings, losses and fixes helps your wildlife agency and your neighbors understand what is going on and respond well.
Key takeaways
- Secure animals at night and fix fence gaps and weak spots.
- Remove food sources including garbage, fruit, pet food and rodents.
- Use consistent hazing and keep your distance.
- Check state rules before removal and call authorities for sick or aggressive animals.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.