The most reliable way to make a yard less attractive to coyotes is to remove easy food and shelter, protect pets and small animals, and close off access where practical. Fences and motion-triggered devices can help, but no single measure guarantees that coyotes will stay away.
1. Remove food coyotes can reach
Start with the attractants that are easiest to fix. Pet food, unsecured garbage, compost, fallen fruit, and spilled bird seed can draw coyotes directly or attract small animals they may hunt. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Government of Alberta recommend removing or securing these food sources.
- Feed pets indoors or bring bowls inside after meals.
- Keep garbage and food scraps in secure containers; if local collection rules allow, set bins out on pickup morning rather than the night before.
- Manage compost so food waste is not accessible to wildlife.
- Pick up fallen fruit and clean spilled bird seed beneath feeders.
Removing food can be a more practical first step than relying on barriers or deterrents, according to University of Florida IFAS Extension.
2. Reduce hiding cover and shelter
Trim dense brush and weeds near the house, and clear debris or brush piles that can shelter rodents and other prey. Coyotes may also use the space under a deck, porch, or shed for cover. Where appropriate, close these openings securely so wildlife cannot get underneath. The Government of Alberta recommends removing low branches that create hiding places and closing spaces beneath outbuildings.
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3. Supervise pets and secure small animals
Do not leave pets outside unattended. Keep cats indoors, and go outside with dogs rather than letting them roam alone in the yard. Coyotes can view small pets as potential prey; the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission advises against leaving pets unattended outdoors.
Keep backyard poultry and other small livestock in secure, predator-resistant enclosures, especially at night. A yard can be less appealing to coyotes and still be unsafe for an animal left exposed.
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4. Strengthen fences against climbing and digging
Check existing fences, gates, and the ground line for holes or gaps before adding new equipment. A fence intended to deter coyotes must address both getting over and digging underneath; an ordinary fence with an open gap at the bottom may not do either well.
Recommendations differ by jurisdiction, so treat the following dimensions as local agency guidance, not universal legal standards or guarantees of exclusion:
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| Source | Fence guidance |
|---|---|
| North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission | At least 6 feet high, with a continuous ground barrier and an outward extension or coyote roller at the top. |
| Government of Ontario | 2 metres high and extending at least 20 centimetres below ground; a roller system is suggested as an additional measure. |
Soil, the existing fence, the animals you are protecting, and local rules all affect what is suitable. A fence may make entry harder, but these agency recommendations do not promise that every coyote will be excluded.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Haze a coyote that approaches
If a coyote is nearby, do not feed it or move closer to it. Maintain distance, avoid cornering it, and make your presence clear. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission advises making loud noises, spraying a coyote with a hose, or throwing a small object such as a tennis ball toward it to help maintain wariness. The National Park Service also describes water spray and similar surprise tools as hazing options.
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Follow local wildlife guidance. North Carolina advises contacting local animal control if a coyote does not respond to direct hazing or behaves aggressively.
6. Use motion-triggered deterrents as supplements
Motion-activated lights or sprinklers may startle coyotes and can be tried after food and shelter attractants are addressed. The Government of Ontario lists motion-sensitive lighting and sprinkler systems as options. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources cautions that motion-triggered devices may work only briefly, so be prepared to use other measures.
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Which steps should you take first?
- Coyote sightings near garbage, feeders, or fruit trees: secure food and clean up spills and fallen fruit.
- Pets or poultry at risk: supervise pets and secure small animals in predator-resistant enclosures.
- Signs of access beneath a deck, shed, or fence: close shelter gaps and repair the ground line; consider a barrier designed for both climbing and digging.
- A coyote approaching people: haze it from a safe distance, and contact local animal control if it is aggressive or fails to respond.
- Considering lights or sprinklers: treat them as supplementary, potentially temporary deterrents rather than a substitute for removing attractants.
Wildlife rules, fence requirements, and reporting contacts vary by location. For persistent, bold, or aggressive coyotes, consult your local wildlife agency. Michigan DNR notes that “A bold coyote is not necessarily an aggressive coyote”; behavior and circumstances matter.
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