Coexisting With Coyotes

If you live in the foothills coyotes are a fact of life, even if not always seen. Part of the reason why some of us chose homes close to wildland is because of the wildlife.

Still, while Bambi sounds sweet, others we’d rather not think are roving our neighborhoods.

A “Bay Area-wide coyote population explosion,” of coyotes is partly the reason why three newborn coyote pups were even recently found inside San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The city’s coyote population now sits at 13, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

While the sight of the carnivores might frighten some, Camilla Fox, the executive director of the non-profit organization, Project Coyote, told the Chronicle that the animals help to "keep the rodent population and other meso-carnivores—like foxes, skunks and raccoons—in check, which helps songbird and ground-nesting bird populations."

The untamed canines typically aren’t aggressive toward humans and dogs, however they will protect their den from intruders during pup-rearing season, which runs from April through August.

Though coyotes might not deserve the bad rap some give them, we wonder how many coyotes live among us here in Los Altos Hills and the hilly areas of unincorporated Los Altos, and certainly in the ?

Have you spotted any coyotes in the area? Tell us in the comments about your coyote encounter.

If you have any snapshots, share them with us by adding them to this article.

Project Coyote provides these tips on how to coexist with the wild animals:

• Do not feed coyotes. Keeping coyotes wild is the key to coexisting.
• Remove attractants. Feed pets inside, contain waste, compost and pick up fallen fruit.
• Supervise your pets. Walk dogs on a leash and keep cats inside for safety.
• Keep coyotes wary. If you are approached by one, act big and make loud noises.
• Appreciate coyotes at a distance.

For more information, check out Project Coyote’s website.

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