Coyote Sightings in Joplin, Missouri Backyards

 For more than two decades, coyotes have been part of the landscape here in Joplin, Missouri. Today, their presence isn’t limited to the wild edges of town coyote sightings in our backyards have become a regular reminder that we share this space with resilient neighbors. From Wildcat Park to the wooded tracts near our homes, they move with the seasons, appearing in fall and winter just as naturally as spring blooms.

I’ve seen coyotes lying only fifty feet from my home, and crossing my backyard at dusk. My dogs bark to alert us when they’re near, while the feral cats instinctively keep their distance. One evening, I found myself just five feet from an adult female coyote. She showed no aggression she simply crossed the trail as I calmly stepped back. That moment taught me something important: coyotes are not automatically dangerous, and panic is not the right response.

Like many predators, coyotes can sense fear and vulnerability. In the wild, panic signals weakness, but calm, steady behavior helps prevent escalation. I don’t fear them, and I don’t call for their removal. This is their migration path, and respecting their presence is part of respecting the land itself.

How to Coexist Safely With Coyotes

Living with coyotes doesn’t mean ignoring safety. Here are practical steps every homeowner can take to avoid attracting them:

• Feed pets indoors: Never leave food or water bowls outside.
• Secure trash: Use bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Clean up bird feeders: Spilled seed attracts rodents, which attract coyotes.
• Pick up fallen fruit: Coyotes eat berries and fruit left on the ground.
• Remove rodent habitats: Clear brush, woodpiles, and tall grass.
• Enclose compost piles: Use sealed bins instead of open heaps.
• Supervise pets: Keep cats and small dogs indoors at night. Walk dogs on leashes, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Avoid outdoor feeding of wildlife: Don’t leave food for feral cats or other animals where coyotes can access it.
• Install fencing: Six-foot fences with buried bases or roll bars can deter coyotes.
• Use deterrents: Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or noise devices can reinforce their natural wariness.
• Practice hazing: If a coyote approaches, make loud noises, wave arms, or spray water to remind them to keep their distance.

Respect and Awareness

Coyotes are intelligent, adaptable, and deeply woven into the ecology of Missouri. They are not villains, but they are opportunists. By removing attractants and respecting their space, we can coexist without conflict.

In Joplin, they remind us that the wild is never far away. Living here means sharing the land with creatures who have been migrating through long before us and learning that coexistence is possible when we meet them with respect instead of fear.

Disclaimer:

This article was written for the City of Joplin, Missouri as part of a community awareness effort. Its purpose is to provide residents with information about local coyote sightings, promote safety, and encourage respectful coexistence with wildlife.