Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All,

Last Monday, as we were walking on a foggy 5:30ish morning, a coyote decided to stalk us. It looked to be smallish, about 25 lbs., but it was quite brazen. It actually crossed the street to follow behind us on 3 different occasions (we made a lot of detours). I gave it my scary, stern teacher voice and told it to "GET LOST...GO AWAY", but that coyote wasn't fazed in the least. I did turn my flashlight on him, and that stopped him for a second, and I did have my pepper spray ready, but it was still very spooky. Any other advice on what might work to scare them off????

Patty, Beni, and Queen Kari

Oh, I do hate hearing about coyote sightings and this is even more scary than a sighting! Maybe a loud whistle might work? Maybe others will have ideas.

Where are you located? This sounds like a well populated residential area. How light is it at 5:30? Maybe none of you should be out walking!

Hey Mom, let's always stay inside until the sun is shining...ok?
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

Patty that is a scary situation and one the authorities may want to know about. Coyotes can be pretty determined when they see something they want and it only takes a split second for something to happen. The pepper spray might work but you would need to be accurate with the spray and you might get Beni and Kari with it. At the very least carry a walking stick or something that can be used as a club. Might be useful to get a whistle or some sort of siren to alert people you need help.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Patty,

We've been having similar issues in my area and some PSAs have been given on how to deal with it. 1) If you have your dogs on flexi leads or long lines, stop. They need to be close to you- no more than 4' leashes are the recommendation. 2) A loud whistle (bear whistle or air horm) can help, but they are finding it loses effectiveness the more it is used. 3) Recommendation is to not walk at dusk or dawn (yeah, I know that's tough this time of year) 4) Get a walking buddy. There is safety in numbers. 5)A walking stick can be used to make yourself look more threatening as well as if you are wearing a jacket, open it up and make it a "cape." 6) Don't use the same path at the same time each day- they do learn patterns.

Cyotes can be scary. If you see them clsoe to the house they recommend using the garden hose on them and keeping them afraid of people.

Hopefully you don't have to meet this interloper again.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

Hi All,

Thank you for the great advice! This weekend I am going to shop for a whistle (Chelle, can you give me more info on a bear whistle?) The open jacket is one I can do immediately. Unfortunately, I have to walk at 5:30ish - due to work and necessary potty breaks (for Beni and Kari), and exercise. We have started walking a new route, but the pups always try to go the "coyote" way. We will definitely continue changing up our routine, though. I hope you are all safe, and continue to create precious memories of every day you have together!

Patty

Along with managing two leashes, would you be able to manage to carry some sort of big stick, bat, or some such, as Bob suggested?
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

I walk Beni and Kari with different hands, so carrying a stick is difficult. I was thinking of a collapsible stick/baton.....does anyone have any info on them?

Thanks for all the great advice...we haven't seen any coyotes since that morning, but that doesn't mean they don't see us!

Patty

Here's a thought..........how about one of those umbrella's that pops open? Not only startle the coyote, but could gather the pups under it. Think it would work? You might have to get them used to it first, though, so they wouldn't panic.
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

I love the umbrella idea - small, easy to carry, and inexpensive. Wily Coyote, we're on to you!

Thanks all!!!

Patty, Beni, and Kari

I've only heard of bear whistles, never shopped for one. I'm guessing stores like Gander Mountain or some sort of hunting store might have them. I know they are loud. Might want to condition your dogs to it as well.

Oh, and I like th unbrella idea- big and scary!
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas