Coyote Encounter: Do you know what to do?
Weekend Wildlife Series:
Coyote Encounter: Do you know what to do?
While camping in Gila National Forest in New Mexico, this beauty came wandering into our camp. It got about 30 ft away, when my dog, Matsi, warned me of its presence.
Do you know what to do if you encounter a coyote? We have 10 tips to make your encounter a safe one!
Remember anytime you go out into nature you are entering a wild world. When we enter the wilderness, well we do exactly that! Coyotes, bears, mountain lions, wolves are all predators that roam these lands and us humans need to be respectful of that fact. We enter their environment when we step into the woods; we are guests in their home.
Coyotes are typically scared of humans and generally try to avoid encounters. They are scavengers and hunt primarily during early morning or evening, but are sometimes out during the day for an opportunistic meal. Especially in early spring when pups arrive and there are more mouths to feed.
Here is a list of safety tips if you encounter a coyote:
1 - Never approach or try to handle wildlife
2 - Stand tall, make yourself big, stand your ground
3 - Yell at it, make loud noises to scare it off
4 - Look at it, so it knows you see it, don’t stare
5 - Never run away or turn your back on it until it leaves the scene
6 - Assess its behavior for Signs of Rabies
-agitated, aggressive, “furious”
-Snapping, air biting
-drooling, foaming at mouth
-atypical approach, un-fearful, seeming tame
-aloof, disoriented, “dumb”
-imbalance, unsteady gait, appearing drunk or paralyzed
7 - Report the encounter if Rabies or any unusual behavior is suspected
8 - If it doesn’t immediately run off, encourage it by throwing rocks, sticks, banging things, using an air horn (great safety/emergency item to have!).
9 - Ensure, pets are secure and on a leash. Pick up small pets.
10 - Protect your pets, prevent disease, vaccinate your pet for Rabies routinely.
For more education on rabies and pet care in case of a bite, visit:
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/understanding-rabies
For more information on wildlife viewing from a safe distance:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/watchingwildlife/swdartwork.htm
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