How To Deal With Coyotes In The Backyard

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — Many Vestavia Hills residents, especially those in Cahaba Heights, have begun to notice an increase in coyotes in their neighborhoods. Coyotes are incredibly common in urban and suburban areas, especially between September and November. Here is a couple of a tips for dealing with the pests safely, and how to protect your own pets.

1. Fence in your yard.

It's a more costly option, but the surest way to keep coyotes away.

2. Make sure they don't have a food source.

Avoid feeding your pets outside and store their food in your house so coyotes aren't tempted to take the food from your porch in the evening. Keep your trash cans sealed tightly, and if you have a garden, fence it in.

3. Keep your yard maintained.

Reducing a coyote's opportunities for shelter deters them from coming around your yard. Keep grass cut short and bushes and trees trimmed.

4. Bring your pets in at night.

Unfortunately, coyotes will kill and eat household pets like dogs and cats. the easiest way to avoid this is to make sure pets come inside at night.

5. Know how to "haze" a coyote.

If you encounter a coyote on your property, the easiest way to get rid of it is to practice hazing. Make yourself as big and loud as possible by waving your arms, clapping your hands and shouting at the coyote. Banging pots and pans or using an airhorn are also effective if they're available. If the coyote doesn't respond by running, move closer until it does. Do not turn your back on a coyote or attempt to run. Squirt guns and hoses are also effective deterrents.

You can also buy special repellents, motion-activated floodlights and other products specifically made for keeping coyotes away.

If you plan to shoot a coyote found on your property, be sure to have a small game permit and to exercise extreme caution in neighborhoods.

Information Courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States, Outdoor Alabama

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images