MisterMike
Member
Since no one has really talked about S&T, I thought I'd offer a few thoughts. First, while attacks on humans are exceptionally rare--and almost always involve children--there have been a handful of reported attacks on adults.
First, coyotes are a fact of life throughout much of North America. Living in a suburb of Chicago, I occasionally see pretty good-sized coyotes in our neighborhood, around 50 lbs. or so, I'd estimate. Some have noted that coyotes are pretty small, but there's a fair range of sizes and they are generally larger the further north you go. Some are reported to exceed 60 lbs. As pack hunters, animals of this size do warrant respect, if not concern. Also, I'd note that coyotes somewhat frequently breed with wolves, producing "coywolves," animals that tend toward the upper range of size and aggression.
While attacks are rare, I would never assume that any encounter with a predator is completely innocuous. I've noted in other forums that when I've encountered a coyote, I've gotten the distinct feeling that they're sizing me up. It doesn't take long for them to figure out that a 210-lb. biped is less attractive prey than a fluffy bunny, but there is that initial moment where you can tell they're thinking about their options.
In terms of strategy, it's pretty simple. You can just leave them alone and they're likely to trot off. If you are concerned about them becoming aggressive, you should (a) try to "look big" by spreading out your arms, raising your jacket overhead, etc.; (b) make aggressive noises; and (c) toss sticks or stones at them if they don't back off. I've never gotten beyond the "looking big" and yelling at them stage, and they have invariably gotten the message and made a hasty exit.
What you do not want to do is act like prey by running. With canines this will often trigger their pursuit instinct, where otherwise they would think better.
While the story of the young lady who died in Nova Scotia is tragic, it is an exceedingly rare occurrence. If you keep your wits about you, you'll be fine.
Despite this, it's worth remembering that they will go after smaller animals, even small dogs on a leash. You need to be on your toes and meet potential aggression with a display of agression yourself, if you're out walking your itty-bitty dog. Scoop up fluffy, then act big and crazy. Coyotes won't take the chance.
First, coyotes are a fact of life throughout much of North America. Living in a suburb of Chicago, I occasionally see pretty good-sized coyotes in our neighborhood, around 50 lbs. or so, I'd estimate. Some have noted that coyotes are pretty small, but there's a fair range of sizes and they are generally larger the further north you go. Some are reported to exceed 60 lbs. As pack hunters, animals of this size do warrant respect, if not concern. Also, I'd note that coyotes somewhat frequently breed with wolves, producing "coywolves," animals that tend toward the upper range of size and aggression.
While attacks are rare, I would never assume that any encounter with a predator is completely innocuous. I've noted in other forums that when I've encountered a coyote, I've gotten the distinct feeling that they're sizing me up. It doesn't take long for them to figure out that a 210-lb. biped is less attractive prey than a fluffy bunny, but there is that initial moment where you can tell they're thinking about their options.
In terms of strategy, it's pretty simple. You can just leave them alone and they're likely to trot off. If you are concerned about them becoming aggressive, you should (a) try to "look big" by spreading out your arms, raising your jacket overhead, etc.; (b) make aggressive noises; and (c) toss sticks or stones at them if they don't back off. I've never gotten beyond the "looking big" and yelling at them stage, and they have invariably gotten the message and made a hasty exit.
What you do not want to do is act like prey by running. With canines this will often trigger their pursuit instinct, where otherwise they would think better.
While the story of the young lady who died in Nova Scotia is tragic, it is an exceedingly rare occurrence. If you keep your wits about you, you'll be fine.
Despite this, it's worth remembering that they will go after smaller animals, even small dogs on a leash. You need to be on your toes and meet potential aggression with a display of agression yourself, if you're out walking your itty-bitty dog. Scoop up fluffy, then act big and crazy. Coyotes won't take the chance.
