Preventing Coyote from Entering Your Yard
By:  Elizabeth Bublitz
Author of Pawfriendly Landscapes

        Although my company, Pawfriendly Landscapes, typically gets the call about companion animals, such as, “How do I keep my dog in the yard,” I am going to discuss preventing non domestic canines (and other rascals) from entering your yard.  Last year, we had numerous calls about it and we remedied each one.  I routinely follow up with my clients because I want to make sure our methods are working.

         Unfortunately, the most popular call has been about coyote entering backyards.  I’m speaking from experience because I have had coyote try to enter my yard.  I have 3 dogs ranging in size who enjoy their bones outside, which attracts coyote, so I’m also very fearful and want to prevent them from harming my dogs.  I’ve also seen them on walks with my dogs.  However, I have never had an incident with them and here is the reason.

                If you see coyote on dog walks - always keep your dog on a leash!  Always!  (Leashes also prevent your dogs from falling through ice!)  I learned this lesson many years ago when I was living in an apartment and had to walk my two small dogs daily next to a coyote’s den and her pups.  I was terrified.  I contacted my veterinarian who told me if I keep them on a leash, she will leave me alone.  I took this advice and respected the mother coyote by never taunting, approaching or feeding her.  I never had an incident – not even a close call!  Coyote are very smart and fear people; they will not approach your dog if he is tethered next to you.  I’ve heard some coyote are approaching dog walkers but most confess their dog was running at large.  Another measure of protection is to carry pepper spray.  I carry this for numerous reasons when I walk my dogs and it gives me peace of mind. 

        Coyote also enter backyards.  Many people have contacted us about this problem.  When they opened their backdoor to call for their dog, they saw coyote in their yard with their dog – some dogs were injured, killed, or, fortunately, the coyote were scared away in time.  The cost effective remedies are as follows:

•  If you do not have a fence, invest in one.

• Along side your fence, install vinyl lattice (NOT cedar – it will rot and they will tunnel through it) about 2-3 feet below the ground.  They will not be able to tunnel under it.  Call 8-1-1 to have your utilities located – since you’ll be trenching many feet below your fence, you need to have utilities located before you dig!

• If you have a privacy fence and live on open space, secure chicken wire on the other side of the fence – the one without lattice sheets.  We install chicken wire on to the fence about 8” off the ground with staples or nails.  Then we brought the chicken wire down to the ground and cut it about a foot or so from the fence (it forms a “J” or “L”) - we secure it into the ground with fabric pins.

• For three rail fences or chain link – install the vinyl lattice along the fence but secure the mesh wire to the ground with edging pins.

                If coyote are jumping over your fence, add height by securing lattice to it.  Tricking canines is key – if you can angle it so it appears to be coming at them, they tend to look elsewhere for food. 

                All these methods prevent other wildlife from entering your backyard and keep your pets safe.  But be a responsible dog owner by leashing your dogs in parks, check on them frequently as they play in their backyards and get a secure fence and gate in your backyard.           

For more information please go to www.pawfriendlylandscapes.com