Close Coyote Encounters

[Japhy]

Walking our 12lb hyper alpha semi Jack Russell rescued from a southern AZ bario when we were met by 4 coyotes this morning
The little guy was standing his ground and ready to go on offense before I grabbed him. That would not have ended well. The coyotes were fearless. Tomorrow I’m getting a co2 pellet gun this has happened several times in the past few weeks.

[Zee]

Can’t use a .22lr/Mag?

[Diver43]

Walking our 12lb hyper alpha semi Jack Russell rescued from a southern AZ bario when we were met by 4 coyotes this morning
The little guy was standing his ground and ready to go on offense before I grabbed him. That would not have ended well. The coyotes were fearless. Tomorrow I’m getting a co2 pellet gun this has happened several times in the past few weeks.

If they are bold enough for you to be that close to 4 of them, a pellet gun may not be effective

[Castle]

If the coyotes are losing their fear getting that close, I'd carry more than a pellet gun. They'll go after your dog someday and I'll be you and your dog against 4 rogue coyotes. I'm guessing those yotes are young siblings.

Anyway, if you're not carrying a firearm at least carry a good stick/bat/club/airhorn or spray.

[Gila]

If you saw four coyotes, there were more than four of them. That's the way they roll. I would not use a pellet gun for protection, but a 22 mag would get the job done if it were the S&W with the 30 round magazine...

[Jayhawker]

If you're not going to carry a firearm then get a large size can of bear spray...and reconsider not carrying a firearm...

[Japhy]

This is in town so firearms are a problem. I need something I can adeptly manage with 1 hand with the pup in the other. This time they were close as in inside 50ft and fearless followed for a a few hundred yards. I have an unused bear spray can but its at least 20 years old. I am going to change up the route this has become almost a daily occurrence.

[Gila]

What town are you in? BTW, if it's self defense you can use whatever you want. You're in Arizona after all.

[Chiro1989]

Invite a cop or animal control along for a walk with you, they are going to educated quick, better if 2 of you are shooting, your dog is not going to like the supersonic report

[Bigslug]

Like Chiro says, talk to the locals and get them on your side. Come up with a plan for re-introducing your local coyote population to the concept of fear - which all too often they are losing in areas where humans feel unable to do anything. The M.O. of all predators everywhere is to go for the easiest, least-risky meal. Coyotes are not stupid - they need to be made to understand that the neighborhood pets are not it.

If they "followed for a few hundred yards" you're probably not so urban that you couldn't safely take care of things if you're smart about it.

[Diver43]

Like Chiro says, talk to the locals and get them on your side. Come up with a plan for re-introducing your local coyote population to the concept of fear - which all too often they are losing in areas where humans feel unable to do anything. The M.O. of all predators everywhere is to go for the easiest, least-risky meal. Coyotes are not stupid - they need to be made to understand that the neighborhood pets are not it.

If they "followed for a few hundred yards" you're probably not so urban that you couldn't safely take care of things if you're smart about it.

.22 quiets are not very loud in open spaces. I dispatched several iguanas when I lived in Miami

[bullsi1911]

If you're not going to carry a firearm then get a large size can of bear spray...and reconsider not carrying a firearm...

Yeah, what he said.

[bullsi1911]

Also- research your states laws for using deadly force in defense of pets, or on wildlife. I know here in Texas pets are considered property, and you can use deadly force in defense of property.

Because if you are clear to protect your pets, and you are legal to carry… then carry!

(Hell, our old governor here supposedly shot a coyote in the middle of town while he was jogging)