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04/21/2025
Some of us live with wildlife in our backyards; some of us don’t. But as we build more into wilderness areas to live, we encroach into wildlife’s backyard. We don’t see a lot of coyotes in our area but they are here. If you find yourself on a walk with your dog and encounter a coyote, keep your dog close and leashed if it isn’t already, and keep calmly walking away to ensure you and your pup stay safe if you do encounter one.
Has a coyote ever “followed” you or your dog on a walk?
If so, you might have felt afraid. Maybe you thought the coyote was stalking you or that an attack was imminent. But the truth is, you were likely being escorted!
Contrary to common belief, coyotes don’t typically stalk humans with the intent to harm. What you're seeing is often a natural behavior called escorting, where a coyote follows at a distance to make sure potential threats—especially dogs—leave their territory. This behavior is most common from early March through late April, when coyote parents are protecting dens and caring for vulnerable pups.
Escorting usually happens in the early morning or evening and is most often experienced by people walking dogs, as coyotes may view dogs as a threat to their young. Like any good parent, coyotes will look out for their families!
So, what should you do if a coyote starts escorting you?
First and foremost, don't panic! Coyotes are naturally afraid of people. In most cases, they want to avoid us, unless they've become habituated or feel threatened. Stay calm and keep walking at a steady pace. The coyote will typically stop once you’ve left their space.
If your dog isn’t leashed (which is good practice in wildlife areas), leash up immediately and keep your pup close. Most coyote conflicts happen in the presence of dogs, which they often see as competitors or intruders, so responsible pet guardianship is key to preventing problems.
🐾 On the rare chance the coyote gets too close, shout, wave your arms, and try to scare them off. This is called humane hazing. Learn how here: https://projectcoyote.org/hazing-field-guide
🐶 Explore our Dogs & Coyotes Fact Sheet: https://projectcoyote.org/dogs-and-coyotes-sheet
🐺 Want more tips on coyote behavior and coexistence? Check out our brochure: https://projectcoyote.org/coexisting-with-coyotes-brochure
As development encroaches on natural habitats, coexistence with wildlife like coyotes is more important than ever. Understanding their behavior and adjusting our own helps create safer communities for all species.
