There has been some concerns lately with coyotes in the area. Hazing, or scaring the animal away, is the most effective way to react to encounters with these animals.
Killing does not solve problem-causing coyotes. According the Humane Society of the United States, as coyotes have expanded their range across North America, this can trigger alarm in people who fear for the safety of their pets and children. Some communities have felt the need to pay for wide scale programs to remove coyotes from the population. Unfortunately, it has been shown that these killing programs don't work and are inhumane. Better solutions exist.
Coyotes removed from an area will quickly be replaced by others. Coyote pairs hold territories, which leaves single coyotes constantly looking for new places to call home. If things like pet food, garbage, etc. are in the area, new coyotes can quickly become a nuisance.
Hazing is the best method of moving coyotes to another area. Hazing is a method that makes use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage an undesirable behavior or activity. Hazing can help maintain a coyote's fear of humans and deter them from neighborhood spaces such as backyards and play spaces.
The simplest method of hazing a coyote involves being loud. Shout in a deep, aggressive voice.
Other methods of hazing include yelling and waving your arms while approaching the coyote; being noisy with your voice, whistles, air horns, or banging pots and pans together; throwing small objects such as sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls or rubber balls; using hoses, water guns with vinegar water, or pepper spray; and use a variety of these methods. Coyotes can habituate to individual items, sounds and actions.
Other tips for encountering a coyote:
Do Not Run or turn your back on the coyote.
Never feed a coyote.
Never leave small children or pets alone in coyote habitat.
Teach children to stay away from wild animals.
Keep your yard free of fallen fruit, vegetables and pet food.
Clean up brush piles before the mice move in. (Mice attract coyotes.)
Note: Coyotes breed between January and March. During this time, it's natural for them to protect their territories. Attacks on dogs during the months of April-December are probably caused by coyotes that have lost their fear of people. This occurs when coyotes are being fed in residential areas and not harassed by people.