Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County shared hazing method reminders when encountering aggressive coyotes following sightings today at the roundabout on Diamond Drive.
When encountering coyotes in your yard at home or out hiking on local trails, utilize the following methods of “hazing” to scare coyotes away from areas where coyotes are not welcome or if they are being aggressive.
The simplest method of hazing a coyote involves being loud and large: Stand tall, wave your arms, and yell at the coyote until they run away. If a coyote has not been hazed before, they may not immediately run away when you yell at them. Haze until the coyote retreats.
Use hazing tools such as noisemakers or surprises (garden hoses, water guns with vinegar water, pop-open umbrellas, motion-activated lights, or sprinklers) to frighten the animal.
Other low-intensity hazing, intended to scare away coyotes, includes:
- banging pots;
- shining bright lights;
- throwing small rocks or sticks;
- spraying pepper spray;
- carrying a ski pole or golf club;
- using whistles or other noisemakers; and
- practice S.M.A.R.T. actions.
These techniques are not intended to cause harm to the animal, but rather to reinforce a healthy fear level and discomfort around humans.
