Living with Coyotes

Coyotes can thrive close to humans in a variety of habitats. The presence of a coyote alone is not cause for concern, as coyotes are naturally afraid of people. Coyotes that spend a lot of time around people or regularly feed on human-associated food (e.g., birdseed, trash, pet food) can become habituated (comfortable near people) and food-conditioned (associate humans, houses, and neighborhoods with food).

A habituated coyote:

• Does not run off when harassed or chased.
• Approaches pets on a leash.
• Approaches and follows people.

You can take a few simple steps to prevent the habituation of coyotes: Remove food sources, closely supervise pets when outdoors, haze coyotes, and eliminate shelter.

Living with wildlife is a shared responsibility. Consistent actions across communities are key to reducing conflict.

Remove food sources

Feeding, whether directly or indirectly, can cause coyotes to act tame and may lead to bold behavior.

• Never intentionally feed coyotes.
• Remove bird feeders, which can attract coyotes and their prey. (The best way to support birds is to plant ecologically valuable native plants, which provide food and shelter year-round and benefit far more species than bird seed and sugar water.)
• Secure your garbage and compost in sturdy, tightly closed containers.
• Protect produce and livestock. Remove fallen fruit from around fruit trees and ripe vegetables from garden. Use fencing to protect livestock from coyotes. Electric fencing is best as it will also deter black bears and other predators.
• Feed pets indoors.

Protect pets

Coyotes may see cats and small dogs as prey and large dogs as competitors. Coyotes may be more territorial toward dogs during mating and denning season (January – May).

• Keep dogs leashed and supervised whenever they are outside.
• Keep cats indoors or directly supervised in a secure enclosure.
• Check your yard for wildlife before letting pets outside, especially early in the morning and at night.
• Consider a 6-foot fence with the bottom extending about 1 foot underground to block coyote access to your yard.
• Never leave pets unattended outdoors. 

Haze coyotes

To prevent habituation, people should aggressively haze coyotes. Hazing is a technique used to deter an animal from an area or change its behavior. Repeated hazing helps teach coyotes to avoid people and that they are not welcome in your neighborhood. Similar to one coyote chasing another out of their territory, you are defining and defending your territory.

You can haze a coyote by:

• Moving toward the coyote while waving your arms or clapping.
• Making loud noises by yelling or using an air horn or whistle.
• Spraying a hose or throwing small objects, like small rocks or tennis balls, in the coyote's direction.
• Use a paintball gun if local ordinances allow. 

Reduce shelter

Coyotes may den beneath sheds, decks, porches, or other sheltered areas.

• Look for potential den sites near your home in March.
• Block access beneath buildings, porches, and sheds with sturdy hardware cloth.
• Keep brushy areas trimmed to reduce cover for coyotes and their prey.

When to report a coyote

Daytime activity alone does not mean a coyote has rabies. Report coyotes showing unusually bold or abnormal behavior, such as:

• Approaching people for food.
• Attacking leashed pets while their owners are present.
• Stalking children.
• Chasing joggers or bicyclists.
• Staggering, having seizures, or showing extreme lethargy.
• Missing large patches of fur.

Report these incidents to the DEEP Wildlife Division at deep.wildlife@ct.gov or 860-424-3011.

Conflict coyote removal

The DEEP does not remove coyotes involved in conflicts. Homeowners are encouraged to use regulated hunting and trapping by licensed hunters and trappers during appropriate seasons to remove problem coyotes in areas where it is safe and legal to do so.

In rare situations, a DEEP Special Trapping Permit may be issued to a qualified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO), hired by the landowner or municipality, to target coyotes responsible for damage or real public health or safety threats. Affected landowners or municipalities must fill out and submit to the Wildlife Division an application to trap foxes or coyotes causing severe damage or public safety threat.

To report coyote conflicts and for control information:

• Local Animal Control Division
• DEEP Wildlife Division: deep.wildlife@ct.gov or 860-424-3011

To report animals behaving abnormally or posing an immediate public threat:

• Local Police Department
• DEEP Emergency Dispatch Office (24 hrs.): 860-424-3333 or deep.dispatch@ct.gov 

Learn about coyote biology and behavior  

Content last updated on October 6, 2026.