Coyote Sighting in Cobb: What to Do If You See One

After some area residents have reported seeing coyotes in their neighborhoods, the Cobb Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs' Natural Resource Unit is offering advice and prevention tips for local homeowners. 

Have you seen coyotes around South Cobb? Tell us in the comments!

Prevention is the best defense:

• Take pets and pet food indoors during the night, as this is the coyote’s primary hunting time.
• If the pet must be kept outside, put up fencing to discourage coyotes.
• Small livestock or poultry should be kept in an enclosed or sheltered area. Coyotes rarely bother larger livestock although they often are blamed for such nuisance instances.
• Secure garbage cans with rope, bungee cords or chains.
• Eliminate artificial water sources and Koi ponds.
• Consider motion activated outdoor lighting or sprinklers.

• Never attempt to “tame” a coyote.
• Never feed a coyote.
• Do not turn your back on or run from a coyote.
• Attempt to leave the area calmly.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises and make yourself look big by raising your hands above your head, or making a cape of your coat or shirttails and holding it up behind you.
• If this fails, throw clods of earth or sticks, first near the ground next to the coyote, then, if necessary, toward the body, but never at the head.
• Always keep yourself between a coyote and small children or companion animals.
• If walking on trails frequented by coyotes, carry a deterrent such as an air horn, whistle, walking stick, or cane.