As warmer months draw more visitors, the East Bay Regional Park District today released an advisory about coyotes who are in the midst of pup-rearing season.
During the pup-rearing period from March through August, adult coyotes become notably protective and may display a behavior known as “escorting,” in which a coyote follows a visitor at close range and may vocalize or bare its teeth to encourage departure. Fortunately, such behaviors are typically not aggressive, and experts advise calm exit from the area rather than fleeing.
Park authorities emphasize the importance of awareness and preparedness, especially during the pup-rearing season. Recommended safety precautions include avoiding solo hikes to ensure assistance is available if needed, keeping children and pets close, staying vigilant while walking, jogging, or biking, sticking to designated trails, and never feeding coyotes.
If a coyote is seen, the District advises maintaining distance—at least 50 feet—and walking away calmly without running. Should a coyote approach and not retreat on its own, visitors are encouraged to haze the animal: maintain eye contact, appear robust, raise voices, wave arms or use objects like umbrellas to intimidate (without causing harm), and back away slowly while maintaining these gestures.
Coyotes can also pose risks to pets, particularly off-leash dogs. To reduce conflict, the Park District reminds visitors to follow leash laws, avoid areas with recent coyote activity, refrain from walking during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active, and avoid dense brush. Dog owners may consider protective vests designed to deter coyotes or shield against bites. In encounters, they suggest leashing larger dogs, carrying smaller ones, hazing the coyote, and leaving the area calmly. Meanwhile, cats should be kept indoors both for their safety and to protect local wildlife.
Neighborhood cooperation is also essential to coyote coexistence. The Park District urges residents to avoid feeding wildlife, secure pet food, tightly seal trash and compost bins, promptly remove fallen fruit, and trim shrubbery or block access beneath porches and decks—measures that reduce potential coyote shelter and attractants.
For situations involving sick or injured coyotes—or aggressive coyote encounters—non-emergency reports can be made to the East Bay parks dispatch line at (510) 881‑1833. Emergency situations should be directed to 911 Additional information and resources about living alongside coyotes are available here.
