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15 Animals That Frighten Coyotes

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Coyotes are clever and adaptable, but they are not invincible. Through their fierce spirits or unique strategies, some animals have learned to outwit and intimidate these canines. In fact, coyotes may be terrified of these 15 animals, essentially avoiding them. Continue reading to discover which animals coyotes are most scared of.

Guard Dogs

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Specific types of guard dogs are formidable foes for coyotes, as their larger size and aggressive nature can effectively scare them away. Breeds such as the Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherds are bred to protect livestock and exhibit strong protective instincts. Their loud barking makes them powerful deterrents against coyotes.

Black Bears

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Though generally non-confrontational, black bears are significantly larger and stronger than coyotes. In rare instances, if a coyote challenges a black bear over food or territory, the bear’s size and strength can result in a swift defeat for the coyote. However, coyotes tend to avoid areas where black bears roam.

Gray Wolves

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Gray wolves are apex predators that easily dominate and drive away coyotes from their region. Their superior strength and pack mentality give them a distinct advantage, which makes coyotes wary of venturing into wolf-inhabited areas. Wolves often see coyotes as competitors for resources, which can cause aggressive confrontations.

Grizzly Bears

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With their immense size, grizzly bears are among the most intimidating animals in places where they overlap with coyotes. These animals are highly aggressive when threatened and can easily overpower coyotes because of their bulk and strength. This makes grizzlies a natural threat that coyotes wisely avert.

Mountain Lions

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Mountain lions are solitary but finely skilled hunters who threaten coyotes. Their powerful build and sharp hunting instincts enable them to dominate coyotes in territorial disputes or battles over food. The sheer presence of a mountain lion can send a coyote fleeing to steer clear of a deadly encounter.

Bobcats

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Despite being similar in size to coyotes, the bobcat has incredible agility and hunting abilities. Its sharp claws and quick reflexes make it fierce in the wild and can easily injure coyotes in a fight. Coyotes may keep away from bobcats, especially when it comes to territory or prey.

Golden Eagles

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With their sharp eyesight, golden eagles can prey on young or weak coyotes from above. These birds of prey are capable of spotting a coyote from great distances and can strike with deadly precision. Coyotes, particularly the more vulnerable ones, are always cautious when eagles are nearby.

Eurasian Lynx

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The Eurasian lynx has more strength than coyotes, and they’re bigger. Additionally, they are skilled predators who compete with coyotes for food when they inhabit the same areas. Their ability to take down larger prey and territorial instincts make them a significant threat. That’s why this animal abstains from confrontations with lynxes. 

Horned Owls

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The owl’s nocturnal hunting habits and powerful talons allow them to swoop down silently on unsuspecting prey. Great horned owls pose a risk to smaller or injured coyotes, particularly juveniles. Coyotes that venture out at night must remain vigilant to avoid becoming a target, especially if they’re traveling with their young ones.

Red Fox

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Since they inhabit the same areas, red foxes can challenge coyotes due to their territorial behavior. While similar in size, red foxes often defend themselves fiercely, which leads to confrontations. Coyotes, aware of the potential for aggressive encounters, may dodge areas heavily populated by foxes.

Bison

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Even though bison aren’t predators, they can be dangerous because of their size and temperament. When threatened, these large herbivores tend to become aggressive, using their bulk and strength to charge intruders. Coyotes, recognizing the possible risk, often flee when approached by bison to prevent a deadly encounter.

American Alligator

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As top predators in swamp and marsh environments, American alligators can terrify coyotes that venture too close to water. These water-dwelling creatures have powerful jaws and stealthy movements and can quickly snatch a coyote that strays into their area. This makes them a deadly predator to stay away from.

Moose

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Although moose are typically non-aggressive, they can be frightening to coyotes if they’re attacked or intimidated. Their massive size and powerful hooves make them tough opponents. Coyotes are aware of this danger, which is why they don’t interact with a moose, especially during the calving season.

Donkey

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Donkeys are strong defenders against coyotes because of their urge to confront threats rather than flee. Unlike horses, donkeys have a solid aversion to canines and will use their powerful kicks, sharp hooves, and biting force to guard themselves. This fighting power makes them highly effective at deterring coyotes.

Alpacas 

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Possessing solid impulses for protection and the capacity to guard cattle, alpacas are best at deterring coyotes from visiting farms. Their natural inclination to stomp intruders chase coyotes away, which makes them excellent guardians. Their presence alone and their defense tactics are enough to prevent coyote attacks.

Written by Gabriel Rickles

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