It’s a foggy summer for humans, but regardless of the weather, this is the burrowing and dispersal season when coyote pups born earlier in the year begin to seek territories away from their home burrows.
“During the propagation season, we see more coyotes, both adults and juveniles, out to feed and potentially find new dens,” said Christopher Campbell, natural resources manager at the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department.
In the past week alone, the Recreation & Parks Department has received reports of active caves in the city, leading to road closures and warning signs at places like Golden Gate Park and Bernal Hill.
Typically, coyotes live in more rural, wooded areas. However, according to Campbell, the city has “an adequate food supply for …”. [coyotes]especially with garbage and rodents.”
So what to do when you encounter a coyote?
Coyotes are naturally shy and prefer to have as little contact with humans as possible.
Hayley Anderson, a Bernal resident, discovered this in late June when she spotted two adult coyotes running down Mission Street late one night.
The pair paid her no heed and strolled by without more than a glance in her direction. This is typical of most coyote sightings, and while negative interactions are rare, it is still wise to keep up to date on best safety practices if a coyote is sighted.
According to Campbell, most encounters happen while walking the dog, especially when the dog is off the leash. If you’re in this situation, he said, pick up your dog (if possible), appear confident, and alert the animal that it’s moving away by appearing larger and making loud noises.
If the coyote exhibits unusual behavior, such as B. If he approaches a vehicle or person with little or no fear, contact the city’s animal care and control team.
As tempting as it may be, coyotes should never be fed, no matter the situation.
“A fed coyote is a dead coyote,” Campbell said. Feeding allows the animal to be socialized to become comfortable with humans, which encourages future interactions. This can lead to dangerous situations for humans and animals. For example, a coyote that is not afraid of cars could be hit.
“The most important thing to keep in mind is to be aware of your surroundings,” Campbell said. “If you see one, startle it and stay away for your own safety and that of the coyote.”
If you observe a coyote exhibiting unusual behavior, contact San Francisco Animal Care & Control at (415) 554-9400.
