Coyotes are cunning and adaptable wild canids found throughout North and Central America. As coyotes have expanded their range into urban and suburban areas in recent decades, more people are encountering these wild animals and looking for ways to scare them off or deter them from their properties. One question that often arises is what sound scares or startles coyotes most effectively?
Understanding Coyote Hearing
To understand what sounds are most likely to frighten coyotes, it helps to first understand their hearing abilities and sensitivities. Here are some key facts about coyote hearing:
- Coyotes have excellent hearing and can detect sounds at frequencies ranging from 80 Hz to 70,000 Hz.
- Their hearing range overlaps strongly with human hearing, which spans 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
- Coyotes are especially sensitive to high-pitched and sudden sounds.
- Their ears can pivot independently to pinpoint the source of noises.
- Coyotes use their acute sense of hearing to hunt prey, communicate with pack members, detect threats, and gather information about their surroundings.
Given their keen hearing abilities, coyotes often respond strongly to unexpected loud noises and sounds at higher frequencies. Sounds that mimic other animals like predators or prey are also likely to get their attention.
Sounds That Startle Coyotes
Here are some of the sounds that are known to startle, frighten or deter coyotes:
High-Frequency Noisemakers
Devices that emit high-frequency sounds often effectively scare away coyotes. This includes ultrasonic pest repellers, which produce sounds at 20,000 Hz and above that humans can’t hear but that irritate canid hearing. Portable personal alarms and sirens can also startle coyotes with their sudden, piercing noise.
Whistles and Horns
Loud high-pitched whistles, air horns, or portable warning sirens can mimic the sounds of other predatory animals and frighten coyotes off. The sudden blasts of these devices trigger their instinct to flee danger.
Poppers and Firecrackers
Noisemakers like poppers, cap guns, and firecrackers take advantage of the element of surprise. Their loud sounds simulate explosions and will abruptly scare coyotes from the area. Avoid using fireworks, which are illegal in many places.
Metallic Noise
The clanking and banging of metal objects together produces jarring, unpredictable sounds. Coyotes are wary of the potential threat posed by the unknown source of these noises. Pots, lids, tin cans tied to rope lines, and iron pipes can be effective.
Imitating Predators or Prey
Game calls that mimic the sounds of coyote predators (like wolves, cougars, or bears) or prey (like deer, rabbits, or rodents) can startle them and disrupt their activities. Use caution with predator calls and be sure coyotes are not gathered in packs.
Aversive Conditioning Tools
Deterrent tools like motion-activated sprinklers, electronic training collars, or noise-emitting devices paired with frightening sounds can be part of an aversive conditioning program. The goal is for coyotes to associate those distressing sounds with the area and learn to avoid it.
Sounds Unlikely to Deter Coyotes
While the sounds discussed above can be effective at startling coyotes and disrupting their behavior, other sounds are unlikely to have an impact or deter them for long. Here are some examples:
- Recorded howls and sirens: Coyotes quickly habituate to these predictable, repeating sounds.
- Ultrasonic, high-frequency sounds: Older devices were unreliable and only worked at very close range.
- Music or talk radio: Coyotes largely tune out human voices and music after determining they pose no direct threat.
- Bells and wind chimes: Coyotes may initially investigate these strange sounds and then largely ignore them.
For the best results, sounds should be random, loud, and sudden enough to startle coyotes off the property. Relying solely on frightening sounds is usually not enough, and integrating them into a comprehensive coyote deterrence plan is important.
Using Sound Deterrents Effectively
Here are some tips for using sound to scare away nuisance coyotes:
- Vary the sounds and location of deterrents to prevent habituation.
- Use multiple frightening sounds and techniques together.
- Activate sounds when coyotes are first noticed on the property.
- Pair sounds with flashing lights or physical deterrents like spraying water.
- Utilize sounds most intensely during key times like pup-rearing season.
- Position sound deterrents near common coyote entry points.
- Use sounds both day and night since coyotes are active at all hours.
- Continue using sounds for 2-4 weeks after coyotes leave to reinforce deterrence.
Consistently scaring coyotes with random bursts of startling sounds can teach them to avoid areas. Using a variety of methods and devices prevents them from getting used to any one sound. Positioning sound deterrents near food sources or den sites is especially important.
Other Coyote Deterrent Options
While frightening sounds can be part of an effective coyote deterrence plan, the most successful strategies usually incorporate multiple techniques tailored to the specific circumstances. Here are some other options:
Physical Deterrents
Motion-activated sprinklers, fences, and coyote rollers can physically block coyotes and make areas difficult to access. Flashing lights and chasing off coyotes also physically deters them.
Removal of Food Sources
Eliminating outside pet food, fallen fruit, uncovered compost, and roadkill removes common coyote attractants. Bird feeders and chicken coops should be made coyote-proof.
Clearing Potential Den Sites
Cutting back dense brush and restricting access to crawlspaces and under sheds takes away habitat appealing to coyotes for dens.
Working With Neighbors
Coordinating deterrence efforts in the neighborhood heightens effectiveness. Prevent coyotes from shifting activity from one yard to the next.
Hazing and Aversive Conditioning
Making coyotes uncomfortable in areas through hazing techniques like shouting, throwing objects, and chasing after them can reinforce deterrence.
Population Management
Where extreme conflicts occur, working with wildlife officials to trap and remove overly bold coyotes may be needed. Lethal removal is a last resort.
A community-wide integrated coyote management plan brings together sound deterrents, exclusion techniques, public education, and monitoring to safely coexist with coyotes.
Key Considerations
Here are some final points to keep in mind when using sound to scare coyotes:
- Check local noise regulations when using deterrence devices that produce loud sounds.
- Avoid injuring coyotes with sounds or forcing pups to become separated from parents.
- Make sure children and pets do not have access to sound deterrent tools to prevent misuse or injury.
- Eliminate attractants before using frightening sounds so coyotes don’t return seeking food rewards.
- Be aware that habituated, food-conditioned coyotes may require more intensive hazing or removal.
- Understand that occasional coyote sightings are normal, even with deterrence efforts in place.
Used properly as part of an integrated wildlife control plan, startling sounds can effectively scare coyotes away from your property. But remember that total permanent exclusion of coyotes from any area is extremely difficult. A sustainable coexistence plan focused on altering coyote behavior, not eliminating their presence, is the most realistic goal in suburban settings.
Conclusion
Coyotes have a keen sense of hearing optimized for detecting potential threats and opportunities in their environment. Loud, random sounds at higher frequencies tend to startle coyotes most effectively. High-pitched devices like sirens, whistles, and ultrasonic pest repellers mimic the sounds of predators and prey to scare coyotes away. Noises like banging metal, firecrackers, and game calls also frighten coyotes. For best results, vary sounds and locations to prevent habituation. Incorporate sound deterrents into a multifaceted coyote management plan focused on coexistence for long-term success. Caution should be taken to use frightening sounds ethically to only modify coyote behavior, not cause harm. With persistence and an integrated deterrence approach, homeowners can successfully train coyotes to avoid their properties without endangering people, pets or the coyotes themselves.