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Do not feed wildlife. Many people enjoy feeding wild birds in their yards, yet prolonged feeding of birdseed attracts not only birds but mice, squirrels, gophers, and rabbits, as well. These animals will then be an attractant to the coyote and other predatory animals. Do not make wildlife dependent upon you. If you do, they lose many natural fears and are forced into conflict situations that usually end as a death sentence for them.

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Keep your garbage inaccessible to wildlife. Keep trash can lids securely fastened and preferably inside a garage or shed. Put garbage out for pickup shortly before the scheduled time and not the night before. Garbage smells are a powerful attractant for wild animals. It becomes an easily available food source and a constant one. Ammonia diluted with water or pepper added to your garbage can discourage a scavenging coyote from attempting to obtain access.

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Motion-activated lights, recorded human voices, or music can deter coyotes from entering your property. The motion-activated Scarecrow may also be a deterrent with coyotes. It is a sprinkler that sends 2 cups of water up to approximately 30 feet and has been highly effective in deterring deer.

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Fence your property where it is allowed. Fencing is effective when done in an appropriate manner. The fence must be at least 6 feet high and secured in the ground at least 6 inches. Additionally you can add a section of fencing to the top that is angled 45 degrees toward the outside to deter coyotes from jumping and climbing and bury large rocks at the bottom to deter digging under the fence. A hotwire added to the fence is also a strong preventative measure.

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Keep your pets indoors. Small dogs and cats can become prey for coyotes. Small animals should always be supervised when in any outdoor situation. Keep all pet food indoors, since it will also attract coyotes and other wildlife.

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Spay and neuter your pets. Coyotes are related to domestic dogs. Unaltered male dogs can be lured away by the scent of a female coyote in heat and are sometimes killed by the male coyotes. Female dogs who are not spayed can attract male coyotes, resulting in problematic situations.

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Chickens, rabbits, or other animals kept outdoors should be in secure, well-protected areas. Chicken wire is not secure from a desperate coyote seeking a meal.

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Clean up around fruit trees. Coyotes are omnivores and fruit is a considerable portion of their diet.

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Compost only in enclosed areas. Open compost heaps attract coyotes. Compost should be enclosed and covered in areas of coyote habitat. Never place meat or fish scraps into the compost in a known coyote area.

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Killing or relocating coyotes is not effective. When coyotes are killed, the remaining members of the group will fill vacancies by having larger litters or allowing outsiders to come into the area. This disruption to a pack can cause orphaned coyotes to deviate from normal behavior and begin to prey on easily obtained animals for food, such as small dogs, rabbits, and chickens. Coyotes are territorial and relocation of individuals usually results in those animals returning to the same area from which they were removed.

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Coyotes are not considered a major disease threat. Outbreaks of rabies in coyotes are rare. Importantly, coyotes also help to control populations of animals that are rabies vector animals, such as skunks and foxes, who are more likely to carry the virus. Make sure that your domestic animals are vaccinated for rabies on a regular basis for their protection. Coyotes, being canines, are subject to canine distemper and parvovirus, which domestic animals should be vaccinated for also.

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Coyotes do not predate on or attack humans. Coyotes are shy animals who would prefer avoiding the human species. Their prey consists of small animals and other diverse food sources. Nevertheless, you should never leave a small child unattended in any situation where wildlife is present, just as you should never leave a child unsupervised around domestic dogs. Proper care and supervision should be exercised at all times.

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Coyotes have a natural fear of humans and you should never encourage them by feeding or trying to "tame" them. Wild animals are not tame, and encouraging them to approach causes them to lose their natural fear, usually with dire consequences to the animal. Coyotes scare easily with loud noises, throwing sticks (to scare not harm), flashing lights, and the human voice.