Coyotes in California

Observing wild animals is one of the many benefits of living in or near wildlife habitat. The experience can turn unpleasant or even dangerous, however, when well-meaning people feed wildlife. When fed by people, coyotes can become unnaturally bold and the result is conflict between coyotes and people, which too often ends in serious harm, or even death, to people or the coyotes.

The coyote (Canis latrans), a member of the dog family, is native to California (and Mount Diablo). It closely resembles a small German shepherd dog with the exception of the long snout and bushy, black-tipped tail. The coyote's high-pitched, yodel-like yapping can frequently be heard at night.

Coyotes are extremely adaptable and can survive on whatever food is available. They hunt rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals, as well as young deer and sheep. They will also fee on the carcasses of dead animals and will accept "hand-outs" from people in the form of table scraps, pet food and garbage.

Coyotes are found throughout California, from desert and mountain habitats to urban areas. Problems occur when people begin feeding coyotes, either deliberately or inadvertently. Coyotes will quickly lose their natural fear of people and become bold,even aggressive. Pets are often attacked, injured or killed by coyotes. In a few tragic cases, coyotes have attacked small children, causing serious injuries and death.

Help Keep Coyotes Wild

We can reduce conflicts with coyotes by ensuring that they remain cautious of humans. Practice these safety guidelines and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Never Feed a Coyote

Deliberately feeding coyotes puts you, your pets and your neighbors at risk. Some communities have ordinances that ban feeding of coyotes or other wildlife. You may be inadvertently feeding coyotes by leaving pet food or garbage where they can get to it. Feed pets indoors or promptly remove outdoor dishes when pets finish their meals. Store bags of pet food indoors.

Use trash cans with lids that clamp shut, which will prevent spilling if the cans are tipped over. If you leave garbage outside, don't use trash bags as garbage containers" coyotes can easily rip them open and scatter the contents. Put trash containers out the morning of the scheduled pick-up, rather than the night before. This will give the coyote less time to scavenge.

Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings to reduce protective cover for coyotes and make the area less attractive to rodents. Coyotes and other predators may be attracted to areas where rodents are concentrated, such as wood and brush piles and seed storage areas.

Protect Children

Although rare, coyote attacks have seriously injured young children. Never leave small children unattended in areas known to be frequented by coyotes, even in your yard.

Protect Pets and Livestock

Keep small pets, such as cats, rabbits and small dogs, indoors. Don't allow them to run free at any time. They are easy, favored prey. Some coyotes seek cats in residential areas. Large dogs should be brought inside after dark, and never be allowed to run loose.

Rabbit hutches should have a solid bottom. A hutch standing above ground, with only a wire bottom, makes your rabbit an easy mark.

When building a chicken coop, dig a one-foot trench around its perimeter. Extend the chicken wire fence well into the trench, then bury it.

Use Negative Reinforcement

If coyotes begin frequenting your neighborhbood, 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. If coyote problems persist, contact your local city government or county agricultural commissioner for assistance.

Report Threats and Attacks Immediately

If you see a coyote behaving aggressively or attacking people, contact the nearest office of the California Department of Fish and Game during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If an encounter or attack occurs after business hours, call the Department of Fish and Game's 24-hour dispatch center at (916) 445-0045. The Department will take appropriate action.

Northern California California Department of Fish & Game Office 530-225-2300