what to do if approached by a coyote

The common coyote, which tin can exist found all across North America, is an fauna that requires a picayune knowledge and caution (Epitome credit: Harry Collins / EyeEm)

Wildlife sightings are unquestionably a large function of the appeal of hiking, but while some animals like the baldheaded eagle inspire excitement, others can instill fright and trepidation. Some of this fearfulness is reasonable, such every bit if you lot encounter a mountain lion, but usually some outdoor teaching is all you lot need to stay safe on the trail. And then what do you do if you see a coyote while hiking?

The common coyote, which can be found all across N America, is an animal that requires a piffling knowledge and caution. Knowing what to do if you encounter a coyote while hiking can permit y'all to preserve your sense of curiosity and adventure when it comes to getting out in your hiking boots on the trail, while ensuring y'all stay safe and respect nature.

What is a coyote?

Coyotes are nocturnal and as such are rarely seen, though you may hear their high pitched yipping if you've pitched your tent in an area where coyotes are nowadays (Paradigm credit: Steven G. Smith / EyeEm)

A coyote is a fellow member of the canine species that is native to North America. Though it is a close relative to the wolf, it is much smaller – males coyotes weigh upward to 44lbs and their average length is 37 inches. In comparing, a gray wolf tin weigh up to 170lbs and on average are over five feet long. Coyotes await merely like a grey/brown dog with a long tail and from a distance, y'all might mistake them for someone's pet.

Coyotes were originally native to the prairie and deserts, merely as a very adaptable species, they now exist in forested areas, mountains and even urban areas. These shrewd animals live in packs, either with their own family unit or other unrelated coyotes. Coyotes are carnivorous, more often than not feeding on deer, small mammals similar rodents, birds and reptiles in desert areas – and yes, in the Southwest and Mexico where they coexist, they will indeed chase and feed on the fast-running ground cuckoo known every bit the Roadrunner.

Coyotes are nocturnal and every bit such are rarely seen, though you may hear their loftier pitched yipping if you lot've pitched your tent in an area where coyotes are nowadays.

Will a coyote attack you?

According to the Humane Guild, you're more likely to be killed by a champagne cork than you are to be bitten by a coyote (Image credit: By Preston Hone)

Coyote attacks on humans are very rare. In fact, according to the Humane Club (opens in new tab), you're more than likely to be killed by a champagne cork than yous are to be bitten by a coyote and at that place has but been one recorded incidence of a man beingness killed by a coyote in the The states. Similar to bobcats, a coyote that attacks a human is almost oft institute to be suffering from rabies.

Similar almost wild animals, a coyote volition typically exit the expanse upon detecting human presence. All the same, they practise become habituated to humans and may be attracted by food. Where coyotes can really pose a problem is if you're hiking with your dog, every bit your pets do make attractive prey for coyotes.

What to practice if y'all see a coyote on the trail

First things first, seeing a coyote on the trail is not necessarily a trouble, even if it's during the day (Epitome credit: Pierre Longnus)

ane. Avert them

First things first, seeing a coyote on the trail is non necessarily a trouble, even if it's during the twenty-four hours. They live hither afterwards all. If you do spot ane, requite information technology plenty of infinite. Take a dissimilar route if you need to, and avoid cornering a coyote that isn't moving out of your style as it may exist protecting its den.

two. Don't feed them

Considering they're so visually like to our love dogs, it tin be tempting to desire to feed a coyote. Practise not feed coyotes – this will make them more comfortable with humans and more likely to arroyo others in the future, and this is the nearly common cause of coyote bites.

3.  Secure pets and children

Every bit shortly equally yous see or hear a coyote, get your dog on a leash and go along it close. Minor children may also desire to approach and pet the coyote and so go on them shut to you at all times.

4. Don't run

Coyotes can run upwards to 40mph and then you lot're not going to be able to outrun it, while trying to do then may trigger a chase response. Keep facing the coyote if you come face up to face with one, make eye contact, make noise and wave your arms or hiking poles to scare information technology off. If it doesn't movement, back away slowly and calmly.

Exist sure to also read our manufactures on what to practice if you meet a wild boar or a moose while hiking.

Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the book Restorative Yoga for Beginners. She loves to explore mountains on human foot, bike, skis and belay and and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a caste in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City earlier discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She and then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.

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Source: https://www.advnture.com/features/coyote-while-hiking

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