Coyote Hazing

Human behavior can shape animal behavior, in either a negative or positive manner. Coyote hazing involves the immediate use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage undesirable behavior or activity. Deterrents include loud noises, spraying water, bright lights, throwing objects in the direction of the coyote, and shouting. Hazing can help maintain a coyote’s fear of humans and discourage them from entering urban and suburban areas. Hazing does not harm or damage animals, humans or property. 

Once you initiate hazing, you must continue hazing until the coyote turns it back towards you and walks away. Maintain eye contact with the coyote throughout the hazing and never turn away from a coyote. Do not run from the coyote.

Below are useful tips to initiate hazing if you encounter a coyote:

• Shout at the coyote (use phrases such as, "leave me alone", "get out of here", "go away coyote")
• Wave and shout to make yourself appear as big, tall, and intimidating as possible
• Squirt the coyote with a water hose
• Use items such as noise makers, pots and pans, etc. to make a lot of noise to scare the coyote away
• Throwing nearby rocks in the general direction of the coyote, but do not hurt it

Hazing should never injure the animal. An injured animal becomes less predictable versus a normal, healthy one who responds in a consistent and predictable manner to hazing.

Below is a coyote hazing video prepared by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.