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Coyotes are resourceful and opportunistic creatures, constantly on the lookout for food sources. As scavengers, they are drawn to certain smells that signal easy meals. Understanding these smells can help dog owners better protect their pets and minimize encounters with coyotes, especially in areas where these wild animals are prevalent. By identifying the smells that attract coyotes, pet owners can take steps to avoid inadvertently luring these predators near their homes and pets. The following are some of the key scents that coyotes simply can’t resist.
Small Mammal Scents
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Coyotes are primarily carnivores, and their diet mainly consists of small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents. If you live in an area with a high concentration of these animals, the scent of their presence can attract coyotes. In fact, coyotes can often be drawn by the smells of their prey even if they are not immediately visible. As predators themselves, coyotes will often follow the scent trails of small mammals to hunt them, and this behavior can lead them to areas near your home or garden.
Meat and Raw Food
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The smell of meat and raw food is another irresistible attraction for coyotes. These animals are opportunistic scavengers and will go after anything that smells like a potential food source. If you discard raw meat, fish, or bones outside, the scent can quickly draw coyotes from a distance. Barbecues and outdoor meals are prime examples of times when smells from meat and bones can linger in the air, drawing in curious or hungry coyotes.
Dog and Cat Urine
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Like many animals, coyotes have a strong sense of smell and can detect the scent of dog and cat urine from great distances. This is particularly problematic if you have pets who frequently roam outside. The scent of urine can signal the presence of another predator in the area, and coyotes may be drawn to investigate. While it may seem harmless, the scent of your pet’s urine can attract coyotes who are curious, territorial, or even hungry.
Bird Seed and Bird Feeder Scents
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Bird feeders are a favorite pastime for many pet owners, but they can also attract coyotes looking for easy food sources. Bird seed and fallen seeds from feeders give off a scent that coyotes and other wildlife can detect. Coyotes are opportunistic and won’t hesitate to feast on the birds that are drawn to the seeds. In addition, the smell of the seeds themselves can draw them closer to your home, especially if the feeders are located near areas where your pets spend time.
Garbage and Compost Bin Scents
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Garbage and compost bins are major attractants for coyotes, especially if they contain food scraps or organic matter. Coyotes have an exceptional sense of smell and can detect food from a considerable distance. Even if you don’t have an open trash bin in your yard, the scent of discarded food can spread into the air, leading coyotes to your property. This can be particularly dangerous if you have pets outside, as coyotes may be drawn in by the scent and mistake your dog for food.
Dead Animal Scents
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The scent of a dead animal can attract coyotes from miles away. Whether it’s a roadkill carcass or a small animal that has died in your yard, coyotes can pick up on these smells with remarkable accuracy. Dead animals are a food source for coyotes, and they will often follow the scent to investigate or scavenge. Even if the animal has been decomposing for a while, the lingering odor can be enough to draw coyotes into your yard or neighborhood.
Flowers and Sweet Scents
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It may seem surprising, but certain flowers and sweet scents can attract coyotes as well. Some studies have shown that coyotes are drawn to the scent of flowering plants, especially those that release strong, sweet odors. While coyotes are primarily carnivores, their curiosity and scent-driven nature can lead them to investigate unfamiliar smells, including floral ones. The scent of sweet-smelling plants or flowers can signal to coyotes that there is something worth investigating.
The Smelly Truth About Coyotes
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Coyotes are highly resourceful animals, always searching for food. As a pet owner, knowing which smells attract coyotes can help keep your dog safe. By minimizing odors like pet food, animal waste, and other attractants, you make your yard less inviting to these predators. Though you can’t eliminate all scents, following these tips will greatly reduce the chances of coyotes being drawn to your property. Taking proactive steps ensures your pets remain safe from these opportunistic hunters. Now, that’s peace of mind for every pet owner!
