Urban coyotes have a fierce and formidable reputation as midnight predators that stalk and kill our beloved pets, especially small dogs and outdoor cats. Coyotes will attack household pets, but the numbers are difficult to pin down because it’s hard to prove a coyote attack occurred based on injuries alone.
Yes, the Great Pyrenees can easily kill a coyote in a one-on-one fight. In fact, they are one of the best dogs to protect livestock from Coyotes. They are a large dog breed with a bite force of 500 PSI. They also have natural protective instincts and were specifically bred to handle predators like Coyotes.
Coyotes will attack and kill pets, especially cats and small dogs (less than 25 pounds). The best way to protect pets is to not allow them to run free. Cats should be kept indoors, particularly at night, and small dogs should be on a leash and under close supervision at all times.
Yes, a pitbull can kill a coyote if it had to. But most Pitbulls are domesticated and would run away from a coyote encounter (see video below). Pitbulls have stronger bites but are not as naturally aggressive as coyotes and less likely to initiate an attack. A pitbull’s bite is almost twice as powerful as a coyote.
Different dogs will react in their own unique way, but many will become alert and uneasy as they display a heightened awareness of their surroundings. Your dog may start sniffing and looking around for clues or any signs that will tell him where the coyote is.
Coyotes could be seen at any hour of the day and night. However, they are most active between dawn and sunset. At night, when they engage with other coyotes, you will hear them howl incredibly loud.
Coyotes bark just like dogs do. Their vocalizations may vary, but they don’t use any special skills to make their barking noises. Both dogs and coyotes bark to communicate.
Forested areas and shrub-covered habitats provide the most cover for coyotes while they are moving. They’re pretty lazy during the day, moving far less frequently than at night. During the night, urban coyotes will move from forested areas into sparsely mixed vegetation areas (housing plants, yards, etc.).
Certain breeds of livestock guarding dogs can help protect your property and animals from coyotes. Based on Fox’s experience working with ranchers through programs at Project Coyote, she says that Great Pyrenees, Akbash and Anatolian Shepherds have proven to be especially effective in protecting livestock.
With a larger body build and stronger bite force, an adult German Shepherd Dog can kill a coyote if it’s trained to do so. In circumstances where a coyote was deemed to be an intruder, a GSD will fight and defend his territory out of their guarding instinct.
Rottweilers are larger and more powerful than coyotes and are physically capable of killing a single coyote. However, if a single Rottweiler is attacked by a pair or pack of coyotes, the coyotes will have the advantage. As wild animals, coyotes also have stronger survival and hunting instincts.
First and foremost, remain calm, keep eye contact, and slowly back away while leaving the area. Never run from a coyote, as you may trigger its predatory response and give it a reason to chase you. If you have any personal alarm devices such as a whistle, bell, or phone alarm, use them to scare or threaten the coyote.
Coyotes that are hungry or defending their territory will attack and sometimes eat dogs, but this is uncommon for large breed dogs. Making your yard less attractive will make encounters with coyotes less likely: Secure your trash.
In a fight, the wolf would likely defeat the pitbull, but the pitbull would not go down easily. Though pitbulls are rather unpredictable and can be aggressive toward humans and other animals, they are ultimately no match for their wild cousins the wolves.
A male Saint Bernard can get up to 180 pounds and is known for being extremely protective, according to the American Kennel Club. It’s massive size and muscular physique is why it makes the list of strongest breeds. The Saint Bernard also makes for an excellent family dog.
If your pet is attacked and bit by a coyote, it’s paramount that you immediately go see your veterinarian. Your vet will likely treat the wound by cleaning it and starting a round of antibiotics. The vet may also give your animal a rabies vaccine booster if vaccine records indicate your pet needs one.
Coyotes and domestic dogs are very close relatives, so coyotes have been known to sometimes approach them socially. That can include the kind of bowing and tail-wagging that we all know means, “Be my friend!” in dog language.
Small dogs and cats are often targeted by them in more urban areas. Coyotes have been known to shadow human joggers or larger dogs. Coyotes will shift their hunting techniques depending on the prey they are hunting. Their techniques primarily include stalking and pouncing or running their prey into another pack member.
What Attracts Coyotes To My Yard Or Neighborhood? Coyotes are attracted to neighborhoods due to the availability of their natural food sources and due to ample garbage, pet food, and birdfeeders. In addition, some residents illegally place food out for coyotes, which compounds the problem.
While coyotes are a year-round concern, the breeding season for coyotes is most active between January and March, and male coyotes are typically more aggressive during this time.
The moonlight allows coyotes to see their home region at night, enabling defending coyote packs to howl to inform intruders of their presence. Non-member coyotes are not allowed into their range. The home pack will protect its area with howls, whines, and barks to warn intruders that they are not welcome.
Coyotes will howl and bark at neighbors who intrude on their territory, and at dogs, people, and other large animals that they perceive as a potential threat.
Coyotes are also territorial. The pair howls and yips to let other coyotes know that they have an established territory and not to intrude.
Coyotes have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find food sources and hunt in packs. You can take advantage of this by repelling them with smells they dislike, such as wolf urine, white vinegar, strong perfumes, and cayenne/chili pepper.