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Coyotes are opportunistic predators with an incredible sense of smell that guides their food search. Unfortunately, certain odors can draw them closer to your home, increasing the risk to your pets. If you’re in an area where these animals are common, it’s important to understand which scents can attract them. Recognizing these smells and taking action can help keep them at bay, ensuring that your pets remain safe and your home stays protected from unwanted visitors. Here’s how to prevent these animals from getting too close.
Small Mammal Scents
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Coyotes are carnivores whose diet mainly consists of small mammals like rabbits and rodents. These creatures leave behind scents that coyotes can easily detect, often from miles away. In areas where small mammals are abundant, coyotes will be naturally attracted to the scent trails, whether they can see the animals or not. This often leads them closer to your home, especially if your yard is home to small critters.
Raw Meat and Food Scraps
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The scent of raw meat or food scraps is another irresistible draw for coyotes. Being opportunistic scavengers, they will take advantage of any available food source. These smells can travel quickly and attract coyotes, whether it’s leftovers from a barbecue, discarded bones, or meat scraps. Even if you don’t intentionally feed them, the lingering scent of raw food around your yard can draw these predators in from a distance.
Dog and Cat Urine
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The strong scent of dog and cat urine clearly signals to coyotes that another animal—potentially a competitor—has marked the area. Coyotes will often investigate these smells, especially if they’re coming from your pets. This is particularly concerning if you let your pets roam freely outdoors, as coyotes may be drawn to the scent out of curiosity, territorial instincts, or even a hunger-driven response.
Bird Seed and Feeder Scents
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While bird feeders are a pleasant addition to many gardens, they can inadvertently attract coyotes. The scent of bird seed and fallen seeds can quickly lead coyotes into your yard. These cunning animals are attracted not only to the seeds themselves but also to the birds that come to feed. The smell of both can draw them in, especially if the feeders are near where pets spend time.
Garbage and Compost Scents
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Garbage bins and compost piles can quickly become magnets for coyotes. These predators are adept at sniffing food scraps; any leftover food can attract them from a distance. Even if your trash is secured, the scent can spread into the air, making your yard a potential feeding ground. Coyotes often raid trash cans and compost bins, leading them closer to your property and pets.
Dead Animal Scents
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Coyotes have an incredible ability to detect the scent of a dead animal, whether it’s a small rodent or roadkill. The smell of decomposing flesh signals a potential meal, and coyotes will follow this scent trail with remarkable accuracy. Even if the animal has been dead for some time, the odor can still draw these scavengers into your yard, increasing the chances of an encounter.
Sweet and Floral Scents
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While coyotes are primarily carnivores, certain floral and sweet scents can also pique their curiosity. Strong-smelling flowers or sweet fragrances may make them wonder what’s drawing their attention. While this may not be as powerful a lure as meat or animal scents, the curiosity-driven nature of coyotes makes them susceptible to investigating unfamiliar smells, even if they don’t directly signal food.
The Smelly Facts About Coyotes
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Coyotes are intelligent animals with a keen sense of smell, making them highly susceptible to odors that signal potential food sources. As a pet owner, it’s essential to understand the scents that attract these predators and take steps to reduce the appeal of your property. You can protect your pets from unwanted coyote attention by securing trash, minimizing pet waste, and being mindful of outdoor activities. Simple changes in your yard can make a big difference in keeping your home and animals safe.
