15 Animals That Won’t Fall Prey to Coyotes

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In the circle of life, survival is a constant battle, with predators and prey constantly killing and dying. Among these encounters, some animals stand out for their ability to defy the odds and refuse to be mere prey. Coyotes, known for their cunning and adaptability, often find themselves outwitted by these remarkable creatures. Let’s talk about 15 of them.

Badger

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Let’s begin with these rugged and tenacious diggers who create burrows that coyotes find challenging to access. Built with stocky bodies and strong claws, badgers can defend themselves fiercely when coyotes attack, sending them off to look for easier prey.

American Bison

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Bison aren’t really on the table for coyotes as they’re Massive and formidable and often weigh over a ton, which makes them too large for coyotes to take down. Their size, strength, and herding behavior are problematic for coyotes, who prefer smaller and weaker targets.

Moose

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As one of the largest of all deer species, moose have an intimidating size. Combine that with their long legs and powerful kicks, and you’ll get a problem for coyotes. Additionally, moose are excellent swimmers who can easily escape by diving into deep water bodies.

Porcupine

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Among the things that discourage threats, an animal covered in sharp quills should be close to the top. When threatened, they can raise and fan out their quills, making it nearly impossible for a coyote to get close without getting a face full of painful quills.

Honey Badger

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Even though they are small, the honey badger is renowned for its ferocity and tenacity. Its callous skin and sharp claws make it a formidable adversary for coyotes. Honey badgers are also known for fearlessness and will not hesitate to stand against larger predators.

Armadillo

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Armadillos have a unique defense mechanism—they can curl into a ball, protecting their soft underbelly with their complex, armor-like shell. They become a difficult target for coyotes, who would have difficulty accessing their vulnerable parts.

Skunk

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Infamous for their ability to spray a noxious odor as a defense mechanism, skunks, who can also climb trees, are a low-risk target for coyote predation. Coyotes, like other threats, find this smell repugnant and will keep their distance to prevent getting sprayed.

Feral Hog

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Feral hogs are large, aggressive, and highly adaptable animals that can protect themselves from coyotes. Their tough hides, sharp tusks, strong, fast-moving selves, and the fact that they often live in large groups pose challenges and risks for coyotes.

Peafowl

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Everyone knows about their stunning plumage, but do you know they are also great at avoiding predators, including coyotes? They can fly short distances and are proficient at perching in trees, which keeps them out of reach of coyotes on the ground.

American Alligator

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Alligators are top predators in their habitats and are not preyed upon by coyotes. Their armored bodies, powerful jaws, and excellent swimming abilities make them a huge challenge for any predator, including coyotes. Alligators may even prey on coyotes who wander into their territory.

Emu

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These big, flightless birds have potent legs that deliver a lethal kick. Emu’s size, speed, and agility make them difficult for coyotes to catch, and they are known to defend themselves vigorously when threatened using their legs and sharp claws.

Wolverine

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Strength, aggressiveness, and fearlessness are the advantages of the Wolverine when facing coyotes. They have potent jaws and dangerous claws and are not afraid to use them to defend themselves. Their territorial nature reduces the risk of predation by coyotes.

Kangaroo

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Kangaroos are good kickers whose strong hind legs can deliver a blow that could injure or kill a coyote. They are also fast hoppers, able to cover long distances quickly, making them hard-to-catch targets for coyotes. Their agility and quickness in maneuvering keep them safe.

Llama

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We know llamas for their protective instincts, which make them effective guardians against predators such as coyotes. Their loud alarm calls and tendency to kick and spit at threats make them a formidable obstacle for any coyote looking for an easy meal.

Great Horned Owl

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Great horned owls are skilled nocturnal hunters with powerful talons and keen eyesight. They prey on various creatures, including small mammals like coyotes, making them predators rather than prey in the wild. This species can also fly silently and camouflage—scary hunters.

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