Wildlife

Living With Coyotes

Canis latrans

Coyotes are common in rural and urban areas across Arizona. They are often observed at night or around sunrise, and it is not uncommon to find one napping under a shrub in a brushy backyard or neighborhood. Because coyotes are so common in both rural and urban areas, the information below may help to reduce conflicts with them.The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not respond to calls to relocate or remove coyotes unless they are a public safety concern. Those needing assistance relocating wildlife should contact a licensed wildlife removal business.

Conflicts with Humans and Pets

Coyotes are curious, clever and adaptable, and will take advantage of any food source. Yards with abundant fruit on the ground, pet food, unsecured garbage cans or unattended pets such as small dogs and cats are often easy food sources for coyotes.

Coyotes may consider larger or loud dogs to be a threat to their territory and become aggressive toward them. Coyotes have lured and attacked dogs that are off-leash, and bold coyotes have attacked small dogs on retractable leashes.

What Attracts Them?

Generally, coyotes frequent a home or neighborhood if they find food, water, or shelter.

• Food can include rabbits, livestock, birds or rodents attracted to bird feeders, pet food, unattended pets, garbage, or fallen fruit.
• Water sources can include a pet’s water bowl, fountain, or swimming pool.
• Shelter can include shrubs, a storm drain or any cave-like area beneath a shed, a porch, or unused building.

If you see a coyote near your home, don’t ignore it. The coyote may lose its natural fear of humans, which can eventually lead to bold behavior.

How to Scare off a Coyote

• Make loud noises, but DO NOT turn and run away; the coyote may view it as an opportunity to chase.
• Keep eye contact.
• Shout and bang pots and pans or rattle empty soda cans with pebbles in it (coyote shaker).
• Wave your hands or objects like sticks and brooms.
• Throw small stones or cans.
• Spray the coyote with a hose.
• Use a commercial repellent like Mace, if necessary, on bold animals that refuse to leave.
• Move toward other people, a building, or an area with activity.

In case of an Emergency Call 911

If a coyote is approaching a person or has bitten a person, seek medical attention by calling 911. Anyone bitten by a coyote must immediately seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider.

Also call your local Arizona Game and Fish Department office, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday excluding holidays. After hours and weekends, a dispatcher is available at 623 236-7201.

Remember, removal is usually a last resort

Coyotes will return to the same area if attractants such as readily available food and water are not removed. Homeowners can also hire a wildlife control business to capture and remove coyotes for a fee. However, coyotes tend to be abundant where food is plentiful, so even if a coyote is removed, other coyotes may keep visiting the same area if the attractants are not removed. Coyotes often return to the area of capture  after relocation or may continue to engage in the same behaviors in the release area (i.e., killing poultry or seeking out prey around bird feeders), so removing attractants is critical to reducing conflicts.

Be Wildlife Wise: Tips to Avoid Wildlife Conflict

• Remove attractants outside your home, including garbage, pet food, water sources, and bird feeders that can attract rodents and birds for coyotes to eat.
• Never feed wildlife. It is unlawful to feed coyotes in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties per Arizona Revised Statute 13-2927. Some cities and less populated counties have adopted ordinances against feeding or attracting bears, coyotes, javelinas, and mountain lions.  Violations can result in a fine of up to $300. Check your local city and county ordinances.
• Encourage your neighbors not to feed coyotes or leave anything out that might attract the animals.
• Feed your pets inside and never leave them unattended, especially at dusk and dawn when coyotes are most active. If it’s necessary to leave a small pet outside unattended, keep it in a sturdy enclosure with a roof.
• Keep poultry, rabbits, and rodents in secure enclosures with roofs.
• Trim and remove any ground-level shrubs and branches that provide hiding places or den sites for coyotes or their prey.
• Secure garbage containers and eliminate odors by cleaning trash cans with a 10 percent chlorine bleach solution. Put out trash containers on the morning of pickup, not the night before.
• When you encounter coyotes while walking a small pet, pick up your pet and leave the area.

Possible Health Concerns

Rabies

Symptoms of this disease include foaming at the mouth, erratic or hyperactive behavior, and/or fearful, paralyzed or lethargic behavior. Call 911 or your closest Arizona Game and Fish Department office immediately if you see any animal with rabies symptoms.

Canine distemper

This viral disease consists of fever, eye and nose discharge, loss of appetite, and coughing. It can be transmitted to and from dogs through bodily fluids. Symptoms can appear similar to those of rabies.

Canine heartworm

Coyotes can serve as carriers of this type of heartworm, which is spread among dogs by mosquitoes.

Mange mite

Coyotes may be a host for the itch or mange mite. Female mites can burrow into the skin. Coyotes with mange can lose their hair, which can make it difficult for them to control their body temperatures. Mange must be extremely severe before it disables a coyote. Most coyotes can survive with the disease for a long time. Transmission to dogs is possible through direct contact.

Tapeworm

Coyotes can carry dog tapeworms, which can cause hydatid cyst disease in humans.

Laws and Policies

• Coyotes are classified as predators and have a year-round hunting season. A valid hunting license is required. See Arizona Game and Fish Department Hunting Regulations
• State law bans firing a gun, bow/arrow, or crossbow within a quarter-mile of an occupied residence or building while taking wildlife, unless you have the owner’s permission.
• Check your local city ordinances, but most ban shooting firearms within city limits. Some cities ban using slingshots, BB guns, air guns, or bows.
• For property damage, refer to ARS 17-239 on wildlife depredation, in addition to Arizona Game and Fish Department Hunting Regulations.

Learn More

Living with coyotes brochure
Coyote Species Information