If a coyote attacks your dog in Arizona, you may legally shoot the coyote to defend your pet. However, there are some important things to consider before taking this action.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can shoot a coyote in Arizona if it is actively attacking your dog. Arizona law allows property owners to kill wildlife that is threatening their property, pets, or livestock. However, you may only use the amount of force reasonably necessary to defend your pet. You should also check local ordinances, as some cities prohibit discharging firearms.
Legal Protections for Defending Your Dog
Under Arizona law, property owners have the legal right to protect their property, livestock, and pets from wildlife attacks. This is outlined in Title 17 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which covers game and fish regulations. Specifically, ARS 17-301 states that wildlife may be taken:
When reasonably necessary to protect oneself or one’s property, livestock or poultry from such wildlife in immediate pursuit.
So if a coyote is actively attacking your leashed or fenced dog, you can legally shoot it to stop the attack. This would be considered a defensive action to protect your pet. The law allows using the minimum amount of force needed to stop the threat.
Limitations on Defense of Property
However, it’s important to note that Arizona law places some limits on when deadly force against wildlife is justified. Here are some key limitations:
- The danger must be immediate – You can’t shoot a coyote in retaliation for a past attack on your dog.
- Firearm discharge may be prohibited – Discharging firearms, even in self-defense, may violate local laws in some cities.
- Lethal force must be proportional – You can only use the minimum amount of force needed to stop the attack.
- No baiting – It is illegal to intentionally lure or bait coyotes before shooting them.
So while you have the legal right to defend your pet, you could still potentially face charges for using excessive force or violating local firearm ordinances.
Practical Considerations
Beyond the legal aspects, there are some practical factors to weigh carefully before shooting a coyote. Here are some important considerations:
Safety Risks
- Risk of accidental injury – Firing a gun poses risks, especially in residential areas.
- Risk of mistaken identity – Make absolutely certain you are shooting a coyote, not someone’s pet.
- Risk of ricochet – Bullets can bounce off hard surfaces and hit unintended targets.
Effectiveness
- Difficult shot – Shooting a moving coyote that is attacking a dog can be very challenging.
- May not stop attack – Even if hit, an aggressive coyote may continue its attack.
- Does not eliminate threat – Removal of one problem coyote does not deter other coyotes long-term.
Alternative Solutions
Before resorting to lethal force, consider alternatives that may be safer and more effective at preventing future conflicts:
- Frightening devices – Noisemakers, lights, or projectiles like bean bags can scare away coyotes.
- Exclusion fencing – Properly installed fencing prevents coyotes from entering your yard.
- Aversive conditioning – Deterring coyotes from properties teaches them to avoid areas.
- Removal of attractants – Securing food sources, water, and dens makes an area less attractive.
Local Regulations
Before shooting a coyote, be sure to check all applicable state laws and local municipal codes. Some important regulations include:
Discharge of Firearms
Many cities in Arizona prohibit the discharge of firearms within city limits, except for self-defense. This includes major cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. Shooting a coyote could violate these laws, even if it is threatening your dog.
Hunting Regulations
There are no closed seasons or bag limits on coyotes in Arizona. However, standard hunting regulations still apply. You must have an appropriate hunting license if shooting coyotes while hunting.
Animal Cruelty Laws
Even when legally justified, you must still follow laws regarding animal cruelty. This means shooting to kill, not merely wound, and using approved humane killing methods. Trapping or snaring coyotes is restricted.
Noise Ordinances
Using loud frightening devices to haze coyotes may violate noise ordinances in some cities that restrict decibel levels or certain times of day.
Check with your city’s code enforcement office for specific local ordinances before discharging a firearm or using other deterrents against coyotes.
Reporting Requirements
You may need to notify authorities after shooting a coyote. Requirements vary based on where you live and other circumstances.
Cities and Towns
Local police should be notified if you discharge a firearm in city limits, even for self-defense. Some cities may require reporting any wildlife shot within city boundaries.
Unincorporated Areas
Outside cities in unincorporated county areas, you may need to report the incident to county animal control or sheriff’s deputies.
Airgun Hunting
When coyotes are shot with an airgun during legal hunting activities, the Arizona Game and Fish Department requires submitting a harvest report within 48 hours.
Using Non-Lethal Deterrents First
Whenever possible, experts recommend starting with non-lethal methods to scare away coyotes from your property. Here are some effective deterrents to try first:
Noisemakers
Making loud noises will frighten coyotes away. Examples include:
- Air horns or whistles
- Pots and pans banging
- Motion-activated alarms
- Cracking whips
Projectiles
Throwing or shooting non-lethal projectiles can drive away coyotes without harming them. Examples include:
- Tennis balls
- Rubber bullets
- Paintballs
- Bean bag rounds
Flashing Lights
Coyotes will avoid areas with flashing strobe lights or floodlights triggered by motion sensors. These can be installed along fence lines or on posts around your yard.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray or bear spray fired from a safe distance can irritate a coyote’s eyes and nasal passages, driving it away without permanent harm.
An ammonia water mixture or vinegar
Spraying ammonia around fences or areas where coyotes are a problem can deter them from entering due to the strong odor. A vinegar and water solution can also work.
Exclusion Fencing
Installing a fence around your yard is an effective way to permanently exclude coyotes and protect your pets. Here are some key tips for an effective coyote fence:
- At least 6 feet tall
- Mesh or woven wire to prevent digging under
- No gaps or openings larger than 6 inches wide
- Bury bottom 1-2 feet underground
- Include a roller system or floppy fence topper to prevent climbing
Comparison of Fence Types
| Fence | Effectiveness Against Coyotes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | Low – Can dig under or climb | Low |
| Wood Privacy | Medium – Need dig barrier | Medium |
| Brick or Block | High – Coyotes cannot dig under or climb | High |
Proper fencing is the best long-term solution to protect pets from coyotes entering your yard.
Aversive Conditioning
Aversive conditioning uses negative stimuli to teach coyotes to avoid properties. Done correctly, this can effectively deter coyotes. Methods include:
Motion-activated Sprinklers
Sprinklers suddenly activated when coyotes approach will give them an unpleasant surprise. They learn your yard is unpleasant and avoid it.
Alarms and Flashing Lights
Triggers that set off sounds, lights, or projectiles when coyotes come near will condition them to avoid the area.
Pepper Balls
Non-lethal pepper ball rounds irritate a coyote’s nasal passages and taste buds when fired near them from a paintball gun or launcher.
Bear Spray Grenades
These devices detonate pepper spray when sensors detect an animal nearby. They associate the irritation with your property.
Removal of Food and Water Sources
Coyotes mainly come into residential areas when there are easily accessible food and water sources. Eliminating these will make an area far less attractive. Steps to take include:
- Secure garbage in sealed containers, or within garages.
- Pick ripe fruit from trees and clean fallen fruit from the ground.
- Bring pet food inside or supervise pets when eating.
- Use bird feeders that prevent spillage.
- Install rain barrels instead of bird baths.
- Clear brush that provides cover around food sources.
Without convenient food and water, coyotes will have no reason to linger or return to a yard.
When Shooting Is Necessary
As a last resort, shooting a coyote may be necessary to protect pets or livestock from an imminent attack that cannot be deterred by other means. If you must shoot, follow a lawful process:
- Verify there is an active threat to your pet’s safety.
- Use the minimum level of force required to neutralize the threat.
- Aim for a clean, humane kill shot to minimize suffering.
- Abide by all applicable laws and restrictions on discharging firearms.
- Report the incident to authorities according to local requirements.
Indiscriminately shooting coyotes is counterproductive. Selective removal of aggressive animals threatening pets and livestock, combined with proactive deterrents, is a more effective strategy.
Coyote Deterrents Overview Table
| Method | How It Works | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Motion Sprinklers | Sudden spray of water startles coyotes | Highly effective if used consistently |
| Noisemakers | Loud, random sounds frighten coyotes | Immediate but temporary deterrent |
| Flashing Lights | Random light flashes scare coyotes | Highly effective at night |
| Pepper Spray | Chemical irritant causes eye and nose pain | Stop attacks from close range |
| Exclusion Fencing | Barrier prevents coyotes from entering | Most effective permanent solution |
Key Takeaways
- Arizona law permits shooting coyotes actively attacking pets, using reasonable defensive force.
- Consider local laws, safety issues, and alternative solutions before shooting.
- Non-lethal deterrents should be tried first to scare away coyotes.
- Proper fencing provides effective long-term coyote exclusion.
- Report any coyotes shot in self-defense according to local requirements.
While legally allowed as a last resort, shooting at coyotes can be challenging and should not be the immediate go-to solution. A better long-term approach is proactively deterring coyotes from properties using lights, sounds, spraying, and fencing. However, if no other option is available in an imminent attack on a pet, homeowners do have the right to shoot aggressive coyotes in Arizona. Just be sure to follow all applicable laws and regulations.