Local Entrepreneur Capitalizes on Coyote Invasion

With coyote sightings and attacks on pets reported from Bethesda to Damascus this year, one local man is helping neighbors to deter the wily creatures from Montgomery County backyards.  MoCoNoCoyo opens next week in the Fairmount Shopping Center in North Bethesda. Owner Rod Ruhnyer says his store will feature a wide range of tested and innovative solutions.

While no statistics are kept on coyote sightings, their uptick can’t be denied.  Social media site NextDoor.com reported that posts about back yard coyote sightings were more liked and commented upon last month than posts about front yard dog defecation. Posts about dog feces have led the site for over a decade, except for a few weeks in late 2021 when vaccines were being sought.

Ruhnyer says the deterrents he sells don’t harm coyotes and product testing has been rerun countless times. “They may get banged up a bit, but they are hearty creatures, and they’ve never died from these devices. Not once.”

MoCoNoCoyo stocks ACME Anvil Traps from 100 to 500 pounds

For those seeking to trap and release, Ruhnyer recommends the Acme Anvil 300. Coyotes setting off the trap are held under the weight of a 300 pound anvil until they can be safely relocated. “Never seen it fail,” claims Ruhnyer.

Among the most popular coyote deterrents is the Boulder Catapultus System designed in Colorado. The system sends coyotes scrambling with a torrent of rocks flying overhead. “With the Catapultus around the perimeter of the yard, you don’t have to worry about kid or pet safety,” Ruhnyer said.

MoCoNoCoyo also carries products to help bicyclists, a frequent target of coyote attacks along Rock Creek. The Ajax Bike Booster Dynamite Rocket attaches behind the seat and provides an instantaneous 4Gs of thrust at the push of a button, allowing cyclists to easily outrun a coyote.

The Ajax Bike Booster delivers 4Gs

For dog walkers, Ruhnyer suggests the Acme Archery Bow Launcher. “Just position yourself and your pooch, pull back the bow, and you’ll be far away from predators in a blink.”

MoCoNoCoyo has its grand opening June 10th and the first 100 customers through the door will receive free roller skates and a giant magnet.