What You Should Never Do If You See an Alligator or Coyote in Your Yard

What You Should Never Do If You See an Alligator or Coyote in Your Yard
By Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms

10/3/2026

When an alligator or a coyote shows up in your yard, the worst thing you can do is treat it like a normal animal encounter. These aren’t harmless visitors they’re unpredictable predators, and one wrong move can turn a strange situation into a dangerous one. The first thing you should never do is approach them. Distance is your best friend. An alligator can launch itself faster than most people realize, and a coyote can close ground in seconds if it feels threatened or cornered.

You should also never try to feed them or “shoo” them away. Feeding wildlife teaches them that human's equal food, and that’s how you end up with repeat visits and aggressive behavior. Trying to scare them off usually backfires. Coyotes can become bold, and an alligator doesn’t respond to yelling or waving your arms it just watches, waiting for movement it can interpret as prey behavior.

Never turn your back on them and never run. Running triggers a chase response, especially with coyotes. With alligators, sudden movement is exactly what they lock onto. Back away slowly, keep your eyes on the animal, and put a barrier between you and it if possible.

You should also never try to handle the situation yourself. Don’t grab a hose, don’t throw objects, and don’t try to “escort” the animal off your property. That’s how people get bitten, dragged, seriously injured or killed Wildlife officers exist for a reason they have the training and tools to deal with these animals safely.

Finally, never assume the animal is alone. Coyotes often travel in pairs, and a small alligator might have a much larger one nearby. Treat every sighting as a serious situation. Keep pets and kids inside, secure your doors, and call the proper authorities. Respecting these animals’ space is the smartest and safest thing you can do.