By Kathy Chouteau
An East Richmond Heights resident walking his dog reported being stalked recently by three coyotes on the temple grounds of the Gyuto Foundation. The previous evening, this reporter saw a large coyote headed to a popular dog park next to Mira Vista Elementary School. At that dog park the following day, another neighbor told this reporter a coyote had recently killed her cat.
Such reports, along with similar posts in online forums like Nextdoor, suggest an uptick in coyote sightings in the area, which of course neighbors Wildcat Canyon Regional Park.
But that doesn’t appear to be the case.
“There does not seem to be any unusual behavior or an uptick in coyote presence lately or outside the norm of what we would expect seasonally,” said Dave Mason, spokesperson for the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD).
In fact, it isn’t unusual to see coyotes out and about at this time of year.
“Coyotes are sometimes seen more in the winter since it is the time of year when teenage coyotes leave their family and venture out on their own,” Mason said.
If you spot a coyote, EBRPD says the public can report it or incidents to Dispatch at (510) 881-1833 (coyote incident includes an attack, threatening behavior, etc.) and/or at iNaturalist (observation only). Residents can also report coyote sightings to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s WIR System here.
“As always, people should keep their cats indoors, secure trash, should never feed coyotes, and should keep small dogs close, on leash, and/or in protective vests,” said Mason.
Other tips include avoid hiking alone so there is help in case of an emergency; staying aware of your surroundings when walking, jogging or riding; staying on trails; and never attempting to feed a coyote.
When spotting a coyote, the park system advises to observe it from afar and to not approach or engage with it. Rather, walk away calmly and leave the area. Again, keep small children and dogs close.
If a coyote approaches you within 50 feet without showing signs of going away, the park system advises you to encourage it to move away by making yourself as big and loud as possible and by shouting in a deep, loud and aggressive voice. They further suggest waving your arms, keeping dogs and children close, maintaining eye contact—and if the animal continues to approach—to continue with exaggerated gestures and to not run away or turn your back. Back away slowly.
In an emergency, the park said to call 911 or the East Bay Regional Park District Public Safety line at (510) 881-1833, 24 hours a day.
