What to Do If a Coyote Follows You and Your Dog? Stay Safe and Act Quickly

Understanding Coyote Behavior: Why Are They Following You?

Coyotes are fascinating creatures, but they can also be unpredictable and potentially dangerous—especially if they feel threatened or are protecting their territory. If a coyote starts following you and your dog, it’s important to understand why they might be doing this and how to react.

I remember a few years ago, I was hiking with my dog when we noticed a coyote following us from a distance. At first, it didn’t seem threatening, but my dog started to get nervous. It’s moments like this when you need to stay calm, but also be prepared to act if necessary.

Coyotes tend to follow humans and pets for several reasons: they might be curious, feel territorial, or, in rare cases, they could be assessing if they can find food. But what should you do when faced with such a situation? Let's dive into the steps to take for your safety.

The First Thing You Need to Do: Stay Calm and Observe

Don’t Panic! Coyotes are Usually Not Aggressive

The first thing to remember is don’t panic. Coyotes are more likely to avoid a confrontation with humans than to engage aggressively. They’re opportunistic animals and usually prefer to stay out of human way. In fact, I once read about a hiker who was followed by a coyote for miles but managed to stay calm, and the coyote eventually lost interest and wandered off.

In your case, staying calm is crucial, as it allows you to observe the coyote’s behavior without alarming your dog. Watch for signs of aggression—such as growling, snarling, or direct eye contact. If the coyote is simply following you from a distance and seems curious, it’s likely harmless.

Make Yourself Look Bigger and Stronger

Now, if you notice that the coyote is approaching you or your dog too closely, you’ll need to make yourself look larger. You can do this by raising your arms above your head, holding your jacket open, or waving an object like a stick or a flashlight. I’ve done this with my dog during a similar encounter, and it worked surprisingly well. Coyotes are typically intimidated by larger, more dominant figures, so creating the illusion of size is one of the simplest ways to deter them.

What to Do If the Coyote Gets Too Close to You or Your Dog

Maintain Eye Contact and Move Slowly

If the coyote starts moving toward you or your dog, don’t run—this can trigger the coyote’s chase instinct. Instead, maintain eye contact with the animal and move slowly backward. By doing this, you show the coyote that you’re not a threat, but you’re also not an easy target. It’s kind of like how we behave when we encounter a stranger in the wild—we stay aware, but don’t show fear.

I spoke to a wildlife expert once who shared that during an encounter with a coyote, maintaining eye contact is key. If the coyote thinks you’re a bigger threat, it’s likely to back off. It’s also important to keep your dog close to you. If your dog is scared, it could provoke the coyote to act out of curiosity or defensiveness.

Use Loud, Assertive Sounds

Another technique is to make loud, assertive noises. Yelling, clapping your hands, or using a whistle can often startle the coyote and make it retreat. My friend Leo, a frequent hiker, mentioned that he once shouted at a coyote and clapped his hands, and the animal turned around and disappeared into the bushes. Coyotes are wary creatures, and sudden loud noises can be an effective deterrent.

Should You Defend Your Dog?

Keep Your Dog on a Leash at All Times

If you’re in coyote territory, always keep your dog on a leash. Dogs, especially smaller breeds, are seen as easy prey for coyotes. I’ve seen several instances where smaller dogs, who were not on leashes, became targets for coyotes, and that’s something you definitely want to avoid.

Now, if the coyote shows signs of aggression toward your dog, it’s important to act quickly. Pick up your dog if possible, or create a barrier between the coyote and your pet. If you’re unable to physically intervene, try using a stick or any available object to keep the coyote at bay.

What to Do if a Coyote Attacks Your Dog

If the coyote becomes aggressive and attacks your dog, you need to fight back. Don’t hesitate. Use sticks, rocks, or even bear spray (if you have it) to defend your dog. Yelling loudly and making aggressive gestures can also help ward off the coyote.

I’ve had this conversation with a dog owner before who was in a similar situation. He said that using a long stick and waving it aggressively forced the coyote to retreat. Though the situation was stressful, his quick thinking saved his dog from serious harm. It’s always better to be prepared with defensive tools when walking in areas known for wildlife activity.

Prevention: How to Avoid Coyote Encounters

Stay on Trails and Avoid High-Risk Areas

One of the best ways to avoid coyote encounters is to stick to well-populated trails and areas where coyotes are less likely to be active during the day. Coyotes are primarily nocturnal, so try to avoid walking your dog in secluded areas after dusk or before dawn.

Another tip is to avoid leaving food outside. Coyotes may be attracted to human food scraps or even pet food. I once heard a story from a neighbor who was dealing with a coyote problem because they had been leaving pet food outside overnight. As soon as they stopped, the encounters stopped too.

Educate Yourself on Local Wildlife

If you live or hike in areas with known coyote populations, it’s essential to educate yourself on the local wildlife. Local wildlife agencies often have resources to help you understand how to handle these situations. I personally made it a point to research coyote behavior before I started hiking regularly with my dog, which made me feel more confident during encounters.

Conclusion: Staying Safe from Coyotes

If a coyote follows you and your dog, the key is to remain calm, stay aware, and act confidently. While these animals are generally not a threat if left undisturbed, it’s always wise to be prepared and know what steps to take. Avoid panic, make yourself appear larger, and be assertive if needed. With the right knowledge and actions, you can handle any coyote encounter safely.

Remember, preparation is everything—whether it’s keeping your dog close or knowing how to make loud noises, taking the right steps can help ensure a safe and stress-free experience in nature.

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