East Bay Parks: Protective Coyotes May “Escort” Visitors – Experts Advise Calm Exit, Not Panic

As visitation to East Bay Regional Parks increases during the warmer months, encounters with coyotes become more frequent. Coyotes are native to California and inhabit a variety of wildland environments, as well as rural and urban areas. From March through August, during pup-rearing season, coyotes may become more protective and display behaviors such as “escorting.” This occurs when a coyote follows a person at a closer distance than usual to encourage them to leave the area. Although the coyote might vocalize or show its teeth in a way that seems threatening, escorting is not typically aggressive or dangerous. The safest response is to remain calm, avoid running, and leave the area. To reduce the likelihood of conflict, visitors should avoid hiking alone, keep children and pets nearby, and ensure dogs are on a leash. It’s important to stay on designated trails, remain aware of your surroundings while walking, jogging, or biking, and never attempt to feed a coyote. If you see a coyote, observe it from a distance without approaching or interacting. Walk away calmly without running, and keep children and dogs close. Most coyotes avoid humans, but those that associate people with food may become bolder. Attacks on humans are rare and typically involve feeding or the presence of a dog.

If a coyote approaches within 50 feet and does not retreat, hazing techniques can help reestablish a safe boundary. Maintain eye contact, stand tall, and make loud noises. You can wave your arms or use an object like an umbrella to scare—but not harm—the animal. If the coyote keeps approaching, do not turn your back or run. Continue making yourself appear larger and slowly back away. To report an injured or aggressive coyote, call the Non-Emergency Dispatch at (510) 881-1833. In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Coyotes can pose risks to pets, especially dogs and cats. Conflicts most often involve off-leash dogs, so it’s crucial to follow posted leash laws and keep pets under close supervision. Avoid walking dogs near dense brush or during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. Some pet owners opt to use protective vests that can deter attacks or reduce injury. If you encounter a coyote while walking a dog, leash larger dogs immediately and pick up smaller dogs. Use hazing tactics to scare off the animal and exit the area calmly. Coyotes may view domestic cats as prey, so keeping cats indoors is the best way to protect them. In addition to coyotes, free-roaming cats face greater threats from vehicles and also impact local wildlife populations, particularly birds. Peaceful coexistence with coyotes requires collective effort within neighborhoods. Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes, and avoid leaving pet food outside. Make sure garbage, recycling, and compost bins are tightly secured. Promptly clean up fallen fruit from yards and trim overgrown vegetation. Close off access to crawl spaces, decks, and porches to reduce potential sheltering spots for coyotes. Understanding coyote behavior and taking preventative measures can help ensure the safety of both people and animals while maintaining harmony with local wildlife.