How to Keep Coyotes Out of Your Backyard

 

Learn how to keep coyotes out of your backyard with predator‑proof coops, coyote‑resistant fencing, and simple steps to protect pets and chickens. 

If you live in a neighborhood where coyotes wander through from time to time, you already know they’re not prowling around like villains in a movie they’re just following food, water, and easy opportunities. And honestly, we make it pretty tempting for them. Between backyard chickens, outdoor dog bowls, and those cute little ponds everyone loves, our yards can look like a wildlife convenience store. Coyotes aren’t being aggressive; they’re being practical. Once you understand what draws them in, it becomes a whole lot easier to keep your pets, your chickens, and your backyard safe without feeling like you’re battling nature.

Why Urban Coyotes Show Up in Residential Backyards

Urban coyotes are incredibly adaptable. They’re most active at dawn and dusk, and they’d prefer to avoid people altogether. But they’re smart, and they remember where they found an easy meal. A chicken coop with a weak latch, a small dog left outside alone, or even a decorative pond that doubles as a watering hole  all of that is an invitation. They’re not “targeting” your home; they’re following scent trails, food sources, and water. When you remove those wildlife attractants, you dramatically reduce coyote activity around your property.

Making Chicken Coops Truly Predator‑Proof

If you keep backyard chickens, the coop is the first thing to look at. A lot of people think they have a predator‑proof chicken coop because it looks sturdy, but coyotes are problem‑solvers. They dig, they climb, and they test every weak spot. A safe coop means hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, a solid roof, and doors that actually lock. Free‑roaming chickens are basically a coyote’s version of fast food, so keeping them contained  especially during dawn and dusk makes a huge difference. When a coyote gets a chicken, it’s almost always because the coop wasn’t as secure as the owner believed.

Coyote‑Proof Fencing That Actually Works

For regular residential yards, coyote‑proof fencing can be a game‑changer. Coyotes can jump surprisingly high and they’re excellent climbers, so a standard fence won’t cut it. A seven‑foot fence with a roll bar (also called a coyote roller) on top is one of the most effective setups. The height keeps them from jumping over, and the roller prevents them from getting a grip to climb. When they try to pull themselves up, the bar spins and they slide right off.

And because coyotes are also diggers, the fence needs to go below ground ideally with a buried barrier or a cemented trench so they can’t tunnel underneath. Once it’s installed, it quietly does its job every single day without you having to think about it.

Cleaning Up the Attractants We Don’t Think About

Most people don’t realize how many little things in a yard attract wildlife. Leaving pet food outside is a big one  it’s basically a neon sign that says “free snacks.” Fallen fruit, unsecured trash cans, and even those pretty backyard ponds can draw coyotes in. Water is a huge attractant, especially during dry spells. If you have a pond or water feature, just be aware that wildlife will use it unless the yard itself is secured.

And of course, small pets should never be left outside alone, especially at night. Even a big dog can get into trouble if a coyote feels cornered or sees an opportunity. Coyotes aren’t looking for a fight, but they won’t turn down an easy meal.

Lights, Noise, and Other Backyard Coyote Deterrents

Motion‑activated lights and noise devices can help, especially in areas where coyotes regularly cut through. They’re not a magic solution, but they do make your yard less appealing. Think of them as the “annoying neighbor” of deterrents  not dangerous, just irritating enough that coyotes decide to go elsewhere. These tools work best when combined with secure fencing and

Motion-Activated Sprinklers: A Smart Deterrent (But Not for Pet Owners)

One of the most effective backyard coyote deterrents I’ve seen is the motion-activated sprinkler  the kind that blasts a strong jet of water when something moves into its sensor range. It doesn’t hurt the coyote, but it does sting enough to startle them and make them think twice about coming back. That sudden burst of water is a physical consequence, not just a flashing light or noise they can ignore.

Coyotes are smart, and they get used to lights and sounds pretty quickly. But water? That’s harder to ignore. It hits them, it’s uncomfortable, and it creates a negative association with your yard  which is exactly what you want.

One of the most popular models is the ScareCrow motion-activated sprinkler, which detects movement up to 36 feet and sprays a powerful burst of water across a wide area. It’s solar-powered, easy to install, and works on coyotes, raccoons, deer, and even stray cats. If you’ve got chickens or a pond that’s attracting wildlife, this kind of sprinkler can be a great tool to discourage unwanted visitors.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend these sprinklers for people with outdoor pets. If your dog or cat sets it off, they’ll get blasted too, and that’s not exactly a fun surprise. So if you have pets that roam the yard, this might not be the best fit. But if your animals are indoors or in a secure run, and you’re trying to protect chickens or keep coyotes from sniffing around your pond, these sprinklers can be a great part of your backyard defense.

 

Working Together as a Community

Coyotes don’t care about property lines, so what your neighbors do matters just as much as what you do. If one house leaves pet food out or lets chickens free‑range, the whole block becomes more attractive to wildlife. Sharing information, encouraging proper coop construction, and reporting unusual behavior helps everyone stay safer. When a neighborhood works together, coyotes tend to move on because the easy meals disappear.

The Bottom Line

Coyotes aren’t villains they’re just part of the ecosystem. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your chickens or worry about your dogs every time they go outside. With secure fencing, a truly predator‑safe coop, and a yard that doesn’t offer food or water, you can protect your animals and still coexist with the wildlife around you. It’s all about making your property a place coyotes pass by instead of a place they settle into.

About the Author

Susan lives in a rural community where coyotes migrate through her yard daily. They come to drink from her pond and cross into the neighborhood, often unseen by most residents. Just because you don’t spot them doesn’t mean they’re not there  lurking quietly, looking for their next meal or a drink of water. Susan writes from real experience, blending practical advice with firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to share space with wildlife.