Coyotes often follow people primarily to ensure you maintain a safe distance from their den and young, especially if you are accompanied by a dog, which they may perceive as a potential threat. This behavior is a normal and instinctive part of their protective nature.
Understanding Coyote Behavior
When a coyote follows you, it's typically not an act of aggression but rather a subtle form of communication. They are attempting to guide you away from an area they consider sensitive or crucial for their survival, particularly during specific times of the year.
Key Reasons for Following
Coyotes exhibit this behavior for specific, instinct-driven reasons:
- Den and Pup Protection: This is the most common motivation. During spring and early summer, when coyotes have pups, they become highly protective of their den sites. If you inadvertently come too close to an unseen den, a coyote may follow you to encourage you to move away, ensuring the safety of its vulnerable young.
- Perceived Threat from Dogs: Coyotes often view domestic dogs, regardless of their size or breed, as rivals or potential threats. If you are walking a dog, a coyote might follow you and your pet to escort you out of its territory or away from its den. The dog's presence can be interpreted as an invasion or a danger, prompting the coyote to ensure both you and your dog leave the area.
This following behavior is a normal coyote response to perceived threats to their territory or offspring.
Coyote Actions and Underlying Reasons
| Coyote Action | Underlying Reason |
|---|---|
| Following a person | Ensuring a safe distance from den and pups |
| Following a person with a dog | Perceiving the dog as a threat to den or territory |
| Persistent observation | Assessing movement and ensuring departure |
Ultimately, when a coyote follows you, it's often communicating its desire for you to exit an area it considers its critical space.
