SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Spring is here, and for the adaptive and resilient coyotes that call the Bay Area home, that means it’s time to have puppies. Officials and experts remind residents that interactions with coyotes may increase during this time.
Coyotes generally live in family groups and are highly intelligent and social, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said. Coyote pups are born blind and deaf, and they rely on their family to keep them hidden and safe.
Giving space, whether accompanied by a family pet or alone, is key to living in harmony with the Bay Area’s coyotes. If a coyote thinks a person or dogwalker is too close to its den site, it may try and “escort” them away.
“The parent or other individual in the family group will sort of follow you,” UC Davis coyote researcher Tali Caspi explained to KRON4. “If there’s a dog present it can bare their teeth or growl and it can totally be scary if you aren’t expecting it, or you don’t know what it means. Escorting very rarely leads to aggression and it’s not unsafe. It’s just mom or dad or a different family member saying, ‘Hey, you’re too close to my little puppies.’”
“They’re really just following you off until you’re far enough distance away and then they’re going to turn around and leave you alone,” Caspi said.
Local park visitors should pay attention to posted signage and obey directions to stay on trail and away from sensitive areas. Temporary signage may alert people to coyote activity and advise them to stay clear.
Coyote pupping season typically begins in March and runs through September, according to the San Francisco Presidio.