Coyotes are cunning predators found throughout North America, so it’s natural to wonder if an average person could overpower one of these wild canines in a physical encounter. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: humans can beat coyotes under certain circumstances, but a direct fight would favor the coyote.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how capable humans are against coyotes. We’ll compare the strengths and weaknesses of both species, analyze scenarios where a person could potentially best a coyote, and provide tips on how to avoid conflict with these adaptable carnivores.
Physical Attributes and Abilities of Humans vs. Coyotes
Size, Weight and Strength
When it comes to size and weight, humans have the advantage. The average adult male human is 5’9″ tall and weighs 195 pounds, while the average adult male coyote is approximately 3 to 4 feet long (including the tail) and weighs around 25 to 45 pounds.
Clearly humans outweigh coyotes significantly, which also typically means greater physical strength.
Speed, Agility and Reflexes
Coyotes are extremely fast and agile predators capable of galloping at speeds over 40 mph to chase prey. Their quick reflexes, rapid changes in direction, and ability to jump and climb contribute to their success in catching rabbits, rodents, and other small animals.
In comparison, the fastest recorded human speed is only 28 mph. So coyotes have superior speed and agility compared to humans.
Natural Weapons: Teeth and Claws
While humans have strong hands and fists for grappling, coyotes are equipped with 1.5 inch long canine teeth and 2 inch claws that can rip flesh. A coyote bite can produce approximately 1,500 pounds per square inch of pressure, enough to crush bones.
Human bites generally cannot match that damaging power. Those sharp coyote teeth and claws are deadly natural weaponry in close combat.
Senses and Hunting Ability
Coyotes have extremely acute hearing and a strong sense of smell which aid their success in hunting small prey at night. They can hear and smell other animals from over a mile away in good conditions. Humans’ inferior sense of hearing and small 600 million scent receptors compare poorly to coyotes’ over 1 billion.
Moreover, coyotes innate skill and intelligence in hunting – tracking, trapping, killing prey – far surpasses anything in humans’ nurtured experience.
Intelligence and Problem-Solving Skills
Lastly, while human intelligence gives us complex critical thinking and use of tools/weapons, coyote intelligence and problem-solving skills should not be underestimated. Studies show coyotes have some ability for abstract thinking, situational learning, understanding cause-and-effect and predicting outcomes.
They can quickly process stimuli and adapt tactics to solve problems. But advanced reasoning and strategic planning skills likely still favor humans in this area.
When Humans Would Have the Advantage in a Fight
With Weapons or Tools
Humans would have a distinct advantage over a coyote if they were armed with weapons or tools. A firearm, knife, club, mace, taser or even a large stick could be used to seriously injure or kill a coyote from a safe distance.
Tools like shovels, rakes and axes could also be turned into makeshift weapons. With a weapon, an average adult human could likely fend off or even kill a coyote without major injury.
According to wildlife experts, if threatened by a coyote, making loud noises or throwing rocks can scare them away. Having weapons or tools handy allows you to be better prepared and defend yourself if needed.
Against a Single Coyote
In a direct one-on-one fight without weapons, an adult human may be able to fend off a single coyote. Though coyotes are quick and scrappy fighters, an average adult human is larger and stronger. Strategies like yelling, waving your arms, stomping your feet or throwing objects can intimidate a coyote.
If a coyote does attack, fighting back aggressively with punches, kicks and use of improvised weapons may cause the coyote to retreat. Target the eyes, nose and throat. Small children and the elderly would still be at high risk of injury though.
Against Young, Small or Injured Coyotes
Humans would have a greater advantage in a physical confrontation with a young, small or injured coyote. Coyote pups younger than 6 months old can be fended off more easily. An adult human is usually much larger and stronger than a juvenile coyote.
An aggressive response like shouting or throwing objects will typically make pups flee quickly.
Injured or sick coyotes are also weaker opponents. If a coyote seems to have an injured leg, sore teeth or mange, it will be less of a physical threat. Take caution not to corner injured coyotes though, as they may become more desperate and unpredictable if they feel trapped.
If the Coyote is Cornered or Surprised
Humans hold the advantage if a coyote is trapped in a confined space with no means of escape. Similarly, if a human surprises a coyote by approaching undetected, the coyote may panic and be more easily intimidated into retreating.
In these scenarios, the coyote’s natural instinct is flight over fight. Loud aggressive behavior from the human can surprise the coyote and drive it away. However, cornered animals are also prone to desperate measures, so caution is still required.
When Coyotes Would Have the Advantage in a Fight
Pack Attacks
Coyotes are highly social animals that often hunt in packs. A pack of 3-4 coyotes would pose a formidable threat to a lone human due to their numbers advantage. Coyotes use coordinated pack hunting strategies, surrounding and confusing prey.
A human facing multiple attackers would likely become disoriented and overpowered. Authorities advise hikers to avoid confrontation and retreat slowly if encountering a coyote pack. It’s extremely rare for coyotes to attack humans, but pack mentality increases their boldness.
Humane Society data shows only 2 known fatal coyote attacks on adults, both involving packs.
At Night or Low Light
Coyotes are most active at night and have excellent night vision. Their eyes have a reflective membrane that helps them see in low light. Humans have poor night vision in comparison. A coyote’s ability to track prey visually in darkness would give them a clear advantage in a nighttime confrontation.
Sudden encounters at night startle humans more than coyotes, who are alert and on the hunt. Daylight hours favor humans, as our eyes adjusted to diurnal life. But outdoors at night, a coyote can stalk, chase, and strike with the element of surprise on their side.
Carry a flashlight when walking at night and don’t wear headphones to stay aware.
In Brush, Tall Grass or Densely Wooded Areas
Coyotes thrive in areas with natural cover that allows them to remain hidden. Their tan coats provide effective camouflage in brush, tall grasslands, and forests. A coyote could stealthily observe and trail a human hiking through overgrown areas.
Their ability to quietly sneak through undergrowth provides an advantage in surprise ambush attacks. Humans would be caught off guard as a concealed coyote emerges at close range. Avoid venturing into dense underbrush and woodlands known to have coyote populations.
If pursued by a coyote in the wild, make noise and wave arms to appear intimidating.
Against Children or Elderly Humans
Coyotes may target small children or elderly adults in rare predatory attacks. Data from Urban Coyote Research shows 22% of coyote attacks were on children under 10. Young children appear vulnerable and easy prey to bold coyotes.
Elderly adults with limited mobility or sensory awareness also face increased risk outdoors. A healthy adult human has size and strength advantages against a single coyote weighing around 30 pounds. But children and seniors can fall victim more easily due to their small stature or inability to defend themselves.
Accompany children outdoors in coyote territories and supervise pets during bathroom breaks.
How to Avoid Conflicts with Coyotes
Never Feed or Try to Pet Coyotes
It’s crucial to avoid feeding or attempting to pet coyotes. Coyotes that associate humans with food may lose their natural wariness and begin demanding it aggressively. Feeding coyotes, whether intentional or unintentional, can lead to bold behavior that puts pets and young children at risk.
It also increases the chances ofhuman-coyote conflicts that may result in the coyote having to be lethally removed. The safest policy is to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
Keep Pets Leashed and Supervised
Coyotes are opportunistic hunters and may view outdoor cats and small, unleashed dogs as easy prey. Cats should be kept indoors, and dogs should only be allowed off-leash in fully enclosed areas. Dogs should be leashed when walking and supervised at all times when outdoors.
Coyotes are typically active at dawn and dusk, so extra caution should be used during these times.
Remove Food Attractants Around Homes
Coyotes are drawn to areas with easily available food sources. To make your property less appealing, remove pet food, fallen fruit, and access to trash receptacles. Bird feeders should be positioned so coyotes can’t access the spillage. Compost piles should be enclosed and well maintained.
Feed pets indoors when possible.
Frighten Away Coyotes Exhibiting Aggressive Behavior
If a coyote approaches too closely or follows you, respond aggressively by waving your arms, making loud noises, and throwing rocks or sticks to scare it away. Shouting and air horns have proven effective. Using deterrent sprays may also discourage bold behavior.
Teaching coyotes to associate humans with unpleasant experiences will encourage them to maintain a safe distance.
Learn Coyote Body Language and Vocalizations
Coyotes utilize body language and vocalizations to express themselves. Learning these cues can help determine if aggression is present. Relaxed ear position and yawning suggest comfort, while pulled back ears and bared teeth are signs of aggression.
Coyotes may growl, bark, or howl to communicate with each other. Howling allows them to mark territory and find mates. Understanding coyote communication makes it easier to take appropriate action.
Defense Tips If Attacked By a Coyote
Fight Back as Aggressively as Possible
If a coyote attacks you, fighting back aggressively is your best defense. Don’t turn your back or play dead. Instead, yell loudly and forcefully while waving your arms and making yourself appear as large and threatening as possible.
Throw sticks, rocks, dirt clods, or anything you can grab to fend off the coyote. Punch, kick, and use any blunt objects or weapons at your disposal to inflict damage and pain. The goal is to convince the coyote that you are not prey and are a dangerous threat.
According to the Humane Society, aggressive hazing is the best tactic to make coyotes fear humans.
Use Any Objects at Hand as Weapons
When attacked, quickly scan your immediate surroundings for anything that can be used to defend yourself. Sticks, rocks, pepper spray, trekking poles, jackets, water bottles, or backpack items can all be improvised as weapons.
Swing, jab, throw, or spray these items at the coyote’s eyes, nose, and mouth to inflict injury and scare it away. Target the face and head since coyotes aim to nip at the throat when attacking. Having a sturdy stick, hiking poles, mace, or rocks at the ready when recreating in coyote territory provides readily available defense weapons if needed.
Make Yourself Appear Large and Intimidating
Making yourself look big and scary can make a coyote think twice about attacking. Spread your jacket above your head and arms or open your coat wide to appear more imposing. Wave sticks or trekking poles over your head.
Yell loudly and aggressively in a deep, authoritative voice while maintaining steady eye contact. Stomp your feet and clap your hands. The goal is to convince the coyote you are a formidable foe and not easy prey.
According to National Parks Service, standing tall, waving your arms, and shouting firmly often intimidates coyotes into retreating.
Call for Help and Retreat to Safety
If you cannot scare the coyote away through aggressive hazing, urgently call for help and slowly back away to safety if possible. Do not run or turn your back, which can trigger a coyote’s prey drive to give chase.
Carefully move to a building, vehicle, or area with more people while firmly yelling, maintaining eye contact, and wielding your makeshift weapons. According to wildlife officials, coyotes rarely attack groups of people. Attack victims are most often lone adults or children.
Retreating safely while calling loudly for assistance is an effective deterrent.
Conclusion
While coyotes tend to avoid contact with humans, confrontations do occasionally occur, especially as these intelligent omnivores continue to adapt to urban environments. By understanding the capabilities of both species, taking preventive measures, and responding forcefully if necessary, people can coexist with coyotes while ensuring their own health and safety.
