Coyotes are wild animals that live throughout North and Central America. As clever and adaptive creatures, they have learned to survive in a variety of habitats including prairies, forests, deserts, and even urban areas. However, coyotes still have fears and things that make them feel unsafe or threatened.
Loud Noises
Coyotes are very wary of loud, unexpected noises. Their sensitive ears pick up a wide range of sounds from great distances. Any sudden noise can startle a coyote and make them run away or hide. Examples of loud noises that frighten coyotes include:
- Fireworks
- Gunshots
- Car engines backfiring
- Power tools
- Sonic booms
- Thunder
Coyotes associate loud noises with potential danger since the source of the noise could be something threatening like a predator or human. Their instinct is to flee or lay low when hearing noises out of the ordinary. This reaction helps coyotes survive in the wild.
People
Coyotes tend to avoid close interactions with humans whenever possible. While urban coyotes are more accustomed to being around human environments, they still fear and distrust people. Coyotes may perceive humans as potential threats for reasons like:
- Hunting – Coyotes are legal to hunt and trap in many areas. They learn to associate human scent and presence with danger.
- Persecution – Many people view coyotes as pests and threats to livestock. Coyotes are often shot, poisoned, or purposely frightened away by humans.
- Unpredictability – The behavior and actions of people are unfamiliar and mysterious to coyotes.
The presence of humans, especially groups of people, can make coyotes very uneasy and cause them to flee an area. They prefer to observe and avoid interaction.
Dogs
Coyotes are very intimidated by domestic dogs, even small breeds. This fear stems from:
- Territoriality – Coyotes perceive dogs as rivals encroaching on their territory.
- Pack mentality – Dogs remind coyotes of wolf packs which are dominating predators.
- Retaliation – Coyotes have learned that dogs may chase or attack them on behalf of their human owners.
The scent, sound, and sight of a dog triggers a fearful and defensive reaction in coyotes. They will try to leave the area immediately to get away from the perceived threat.
Other Predators
Coyotes also fear larger predatory animals that compete for the same food sources and habitat. Predators like wolves, bears, cougars, and alligators all prey on coyotes when given the chance. Coyotes exhibit submissive behaviors like flattened ears, tucked tails, and crouching postures when encountering these intimidating predators. They will avoid confrontation and immediately retreat from the area.
Wolves
Wolves pose one of the biggest predator threats to coyotes. As efficient cooperating hunters in a pack, wolves can easily overpower individual coyotes. A 2013 study found the presence of wolves limits coyote populations and behaviors:
- Coyotes avoided areas marked with wolf urine.
- Coyotes were less abundant in territories occupied by wolf packs.
- Wolves killed many coyotes, especially smaller or weaker individuals.
Bears
Bears are another apex predator that prey on coyotes. Research shows black bears, brown bears, and polar bears have all been known to hunt and kill coyotes, viewing them as just another food source. Mother bears may even target coyotes to eliminate a threat to their cubs.
Cougars
As big cats, cougars are powerful hunters that can easily take down coyotes. Cougars mostly prefer deer but will not pass up an easy coyote meal. One study found 20% of cougar diets in California’s Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area contained coyote remains.
Alligators
In regions where habitats overlap, alligators sometimes feed on coyotes, especially pups. Alligators have been documented preying on coyotes in Florida, Louisiana, and other southeastern states. Their powerful jaws, stealthy ambush hunting, and ability to overpower prey on both land and in water make alligators formidable coyote predators.
Lack of Escape Routes
Coyotes are very discomforted by situations where they perceive there are no clear escape routes or hiding places. Due to their skittish and paranoid nature, coyotes prefer areas with good visibility where they can spot potential threats and have multiple exit points. If coyotes get cornered, trapped, or stuck someplace without cover, their stress levels spike. Having an escape plan and ability gives coyotes a false sense of control.
Examples of places and circumstances where coyotes feel confined and uneasy include:
- Fenced yards – Coyotes will look for any openings to slip back out quickly.
- Culverts or tunnels – Coyotes will be hesitant to enter enclosed spaces.
- Sparse forests – Dense brush and vegetation provides more protection.
- Frozen lakes or rivers – Coyotes fear falling through ice without an exit.
Not having a clear getaway path greatly amplifies a coyote’s fear response. They will avoid any situation that limits their ability to run, hide, or get to a safer area.
Illness and Injury
Like many animals, coyotes try to mask signs of weakness as much as possible in the wild. Any illness, injury, or disability makes coyotes vulnerable by limiting their normal speed, agility, and responsiveness. Coyotes in poor physical shape are at higher risk of:
- Being attacked by rivals or other predators
- Being shunned or driven off by their pack mates
- Being unable to effectively hunt prey
- Dying from starvation, infection, or exposure
A sick or hurt coyote will feel very fearful and insecure about their survival. Their suffering and decline may even elicit fearful distress vocalizations. Studies of urban coyotes have found that injured individuals try to avoid confrontations and stick to hiding in sheltered areas until they recover.
| Type of Injury/Illness | Effects on Coyotes |
|---|---|
| Broken bones or sprains | Reduced mobility and ability to run at full speed |
| Open wounds or abscesses | Increased risk of infection |
| Diseases like distemper, parvo, or rabies | Neurological problems, lack of coordination, disorientation |
| Mange mite infestations | Hair loss, irritated skin, weakened state |
| Malnutrition | Lowered immunity, organ damage |
What Are Coyotes Most Afraid Of? – Conclusion
In summary, coyotes instinctively fear things that pose a potential threat to their survival in the wild. Loud noises, humans, dogs, and large predators elicit an immediate fearful and evasive reaction in coyotes. They also fear circumstances like a lack of escape routes and any form of injury or sickness that makes them vulnerable. A coyote’s fears stem from generations of learned experience and adaptations to avoid danger. Their caution, vigilance, and desire to retreat helps coyotes stay clear of risky situations in order to survive and thrive. Understanding what frightens coyotes also brings insight into how humans can peacefully coexist with these wild canine neighbors.