Coyotes • Behavior change with rainstorms

Posted on 11/15/2025

Coyotes will often seek shelter during heavy rain, but they may become more active in the breaks between storms to take advantage of prey that is forced to the surface. Heavy rain and wind can make them harder to hunt because they may become more lethargic and have their senses dulled by the noise and sensory overload.

Behavior during rain

Seeking shelter:

They will often find shelter in dense vegetation, enlarged burrows, or structures like concrete pipes to wait out heavy downpours.
Reduced activity:

Heavy rain and wind can lead to reduced activity as they may feel their senses are impaired and less effective, and prey animals may also be more difficult to find.
Hunting opportunities:

During breaks in the rain, they may become more active. They also sometimes hunt rodents like gophers and voles that are forced out of their flooded burrows.

Post-storm activity:

After a storm passes, coyotes may become more active as the pressure changes and their metabolism increases. They may also be more active in conditions where snow and freezing rain provide good footing.

Hunting in the rain

Stay aware:

While heavy rain can make them harder to find, they are still out there. They may become more spooky in foul weather, but they can still be called in.

Adjust your strategy:

To be successful, hunters may need to find areas that offer some shelter from the wind, use maximum volume, and focus on hunting during breaks in the weather.

How to scare them away

Make noise:

You can scare coyotes away by making noise with a voice, whistles, air horns, or by banging pots and pans together, according to Humane World for Animals.

Create a deterrent:

If you see a coyote, go ahead and spray it with a hose to make it associate your property with getting wet.
Safety and Deterrence in Rainy Conditions

Increased activity during or after rain can lead to more frequent coyote encounters near homes. To minimize conflicts:

Secure Property: Ensure fences are tall (over 7 feet) with a buried section to deter digging.

Remove Attractants: Do not leave pet food, unsecured trash, or other food sources outside.

Protect Pets: Always accompany pets outdoors on a short leash, especially during and after storms when coyotes might be more prevalent.

Hazing: If a coyote is sighted on your property, use hazing techniques to scare it away and maintain its natural fear of humans. This includes yelling, waving your arms, using noisemakers like air horns or whistles, or spraying them with a hose.

For further guidance, consult resources from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Urban Coyote Research Project.

Previous Sylmar Neighborhood Council Coyote Warning - https://www.sylmarneighborhoodcouncil.org/page/viewNews/5399/