05/14/2026
Seeing coyotes in our neighborhoods can be a bit unsettling, but remember—we are sharing the landscape with them! With pupping season in full swing (typically March through August), coyotes are extra protective of their dens and may be more visible than usual.
Here’s how to keep your walks safe and stress-free:
🐾Keep Your Dog Close
**Always use a leash:** A short, non-retractable leash (6 feet or less) gives you the most control.
**Pick up small pets:** If you spot a coyote, immediately pick up small dogs. For larger dogs, keep them at a tight "heel" and don't let them bark or lung at the coyote.
🚶 Be "Coyote Aware"
**Avoid dawn and dusk:** These are peak activity times for coyotes. If you must walk then, stick to well-lit, open areas.
**Vary your routine:** Coyotes are smart and can learn your walking schedule. Changing your route or timing keeps you less predictable.
**Avoid thick brush:** Stick to the center of trails and avoid heavy undergrowth where dens might be tucked away.
📢 Practice "Hazing"
If a coyote approaches you or follows you (often called "escorting"), do not run. Instead, make yourself a nuisance:
**Be big and loud:** Wave your arms, shout firmly, and maintain eye contact.
**Use noise makers:** Carry a whistle, an air horn, or even a "shaker can" (a soda can with coins inside).
**The "Gravel Toss":** If they get too close, toss a handful of dirt or gravel *toward* (not directly at) them to break their focus.
🛑 What NOT to do
**Never run:** Running can trigger a coyote's chase instinct.
**Don't turn your back:** Back away slowly while keeping the coyote in your sight.
**Never feed them:** A coyote that associates humans with food is a dangerous coyote.
If you encounter an aggressive coyote in the East Bay parks, you can report it to the EBRPD Dispatch at 510-881-1833.
Stay safe out there, pack leaders! 🐾
If you live in the San Francisco East Bay, especially near the sprawling East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) lands, you’ve likely noticed the recent uptick in community chatter about coyote sightings. This isn’t just your imagination—it’s peak coyote activity season.While these resilient...
