You're out for an early
morning nature hike,
when a sharp, ungodly howl
rattles your insides.
It sounds like a monster.
Before you can say a word,
you’re smack in the tracks
of a snarling animal
with yellow eyes, black pupils,
and long, sharp teeth!
Should you run away?
Coyotes are highly adaptable
and will eat almost anything.
Since the turn of the 20th century,
they have been getting increasingly
comfortable around human settlements.
And if a rabid coyote lands
even a tiny bite on you,
it could be enough to kill you.
Whatever you do,
do not panic and run.
This will trigger
the coyote’s hunting behavior.
Instead, back off slowly,
always keeping eye contact.
If you're facing a coyote,
you have about 15 seconds
to get your act together.
Coyotes don't like to fight animals
that are bigger than they are.
So, stand tall and make some noise.
Yell and clap your hands.
The adult male
is about 23 kilograms (51 lb)
and can be scared off
by a larger, more assertive creature.
An adult male weighs
about 23 kg (50 lb)
and stands up to 66 cm (26 in)
high at the shoulder.
And lone coyotes are most likely
to go after smaller children and pets.
Pick them up and get out
of the coyote’s range.
Retract the leash on any larger dogs.
If you live in an area with coyotes,
don’t leave pet food
out in the open.
And tightly secure garbage
and compost bins.
When you venture into
potential coyote territory,
carry pepper spray,
or a water gun filled with vinegar.
Noise makers and whistles
can also be useful.
Could you save your child
from a coyote attack?
A New Hampshire dad killed
a rabid coyote with his bare hands,
after the animal attacked
his toddler in January 2020.
He kicked the coyote off his child
and threw his body on it.
Clamping the coyote’s snout
shut with his hands,
he pressed its nose into the snow,
and pinned its body to the ground.
In about 10 minutes
it was all over for the coyote.
But if your instincts fail you
and the coyote has the upper ‘paw’,
protect your vital organs
by curling up into a ball.
And scream for help.
If coyotes surround you,
shield children from the pack
by placing them in the center.
Throw rocks at the coyotes
and continue to yell.
You'll need to appear large and scary.
As soon as you can,
get to safety
inside a car or building.
If the coyote is rabid,
it likely wont respond as expected.
Get inside a car,
behind a coyote-proof fence
or indoors if possible.
If the coyote manages
to break your skin,
it's critical to respond right away.
Wash any bites thoroughly
with running water and soap.
Inform authorities
and get an anti rabies
vaccine immediately.
Disease like rabies
is the leading cause of coyote deaths.
Most of us know to read
frothing at the mouth,
unusual aggression,
limping or staggering
are typical signs
of rabies in an animal.
But rabid wild animals
can also display what is called
dumb behavior.
So think twice about whipping out
that camera to capture
your Snow White moment
with an unusually sociable coyote.
It’s probably got the big R!
Congratulations,
you managed to intimidate
that vicious coyote
and survive the encounter.
But what’s that awful
rash on your leg?
And how should you treat it?
We’ve got you covered.
Check out
How to Survive Tick Bites
here on How to Survive.