How to Live in Peace with Urban Coyotes

Over the years we have all been learning more about coyotes after seeing them in broad daylight at times, walking down city streets.  It's always an alarming sight seeing them encroach so closely to homes, but according to the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, coyotes are by nature fearful of humans.  They also play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to keep rodent populations under control. 

So, how can we safely coexist with coyotes?  First, we should keep our dogs and cats indoors at night and refrain from leaving pet food bowls out overnight.  Coyotes are like dogs and will remember how they got their last easy meal…and will keep returning to get their next.  Some other tips from the CA DFWS include:

•    Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes.
•    If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
•    Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
•    Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, etc.
•    Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
•    Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.

In essence, please respect and protect wild animals.  Keep them wild.  To report an aggressive coyote, please call dispatch at (415) 467-1212.

Remember, if you come in contact with a coyote, use negative reinforcement and let them know they're not welcome.  Make loud noises, throw rocks, or spray them with a garden hose.  For everyone's safety, it is essential that coyotes retain their natural wariness of humans.  See more tips from the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife in their brochure, "Keep Me Wild" here.  Additional safety brochures from the CA DFWS can be accessed here on their website.