What Attracts Coyotes to Your Yard and How to Prevent It

Coyotes are highly adaptable predators that have become increasingly common in suburban and even urban areas across Southeast Michigan. While they typically avoid humans, they can be drawn to residential neighborhoods when food and shelter are readily available. If you've noticed signs of coyote activity or simply want to protect your family and pets, it’s important to understand what might be attracting them to your yard—and what you can do to keep them away.

What Attracts Coyotes?

Food Sources

Coyotes are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll take advantage of whatever food is most easily accessible. In residential areas, this often includes pet food left outdoors, unsecured trash cans, compost piles, or even spilled bird seed that attracts smaller animals. Fruit fallen from trees, vegetable gardens, and leftover scraps from outdoor meals or grills can also serve as an easy meal. Additionally, coyotes may view small pets such as cats and small dogs as potential prey if left unattended.

Shelter and Cover

A coyote's ideal environment includes spaces where it can move around without being seen. Many residential yards unintentionally provide such cover through overgrown bushes, thick landscaping, woodpiles, and brush. Unused sheds, crawl spaces, and decks can offer additional shelter. Yards without fencing, or those that are easily accessible from nearby woods or greenbelts, make it even easier for coyotes to explore undisturbed.

Water Sources

Like all animals, coyotes need water to survive—especially during dry or hot weather. Yards with accessible water sources can quickly become popular spots. Birdbaths, pet water bowls left outside, decorative ponds, or any standing water can serve as a hydration point and attract coyotes, particularly in areas where natural water sources are limited.

How to Prevent Coyotes from Entering Your Yard

Remove Food Temptations

Keeping coyotes away from your property starts with eliminating easy food sources. Always bring pet food and water bowls indoors at night, and avoid feeding pets outside when possible. Trash and compost bins should be secured with tight-fitting lids, and fallen fruit, bird seed, or leftovers around grills should be promptly cleaned up. Even small scraps or spills can attract coyotes—or the rodents and smaller animals they prey on.

Protect Your Pets

Coyotes are opportunistic hunters, and small pets like cats and small dogs can be at risk if left outside unattended. Keep cats indoors and supervise dogs during walks or outdoor time, especially around dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. It's safest not to leave pets outdoors overnight at all. Taking these precautions can help prevent a heartbreaking encounter.

Modify the Landscape

Your yard’s layout and vegetation can make a big difference in whether coyotes see it as an appealing place to visit. Trim back thick bushes and remove brush piles or wood stacks that offer cover. A clean, open yard with good visibility is much less attractive to wildlife. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also be effective in deterring coyotes, especially at night.

Secure Your Property

A solid fence is one of the most effective deterrents. To keep coyotes out, fences should be at least six feet tall and include a roller bar or angled top to prevent climbing. Because coyotes are skilled diggers, consider burying the fence base or installing a dig-proof barrier such as hardware cloth. Also, seal off access to crawl spaces, sheds, or decks—any area that might offer a sheltered hiding place.

Be Loud and Unwelcoming

If you do encounter a coyote, make your presence known. Coyotes are naturally wary of humans, and reinforcing that fear is key to keeping them at bay. Shout, clap, wave your arms, or use deterrents like air horns or spray bottles. Never feed or attempt to approach a coyote—doing so can make them bolder and more likely to return.

When to Call a Professional

If coyotes have become a persistent presence on your property or are acting aggressively, it’s time to call in wildlife professionals. At Wildlife X Team of SE Michigan, our trained experts can assess your yard, identify attractants, and humanely discourage or remove problem coyotes using safe, effective methods.