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Coyote sightings near Mt. Lake Park dog run area

Beth of the Friends of Mt. Lake Park told me today that some coyotes have been seen recently near the Mt. Lake Park dog run area.

It’s believed that they may be keeping a den up behind the dog run where there are some dense area of brush that look almost cave like, and that there may be some coyote pups afoot as well. Some dog owners are concerned because their den is alongside the back stairs that lead to the dog run from the Presidio wall. Correction: The coyotes have been seen along the back road that leads up to the golf course, mostly on the side of the fence that is in the Presidio. But some have been spotted on the back road closer to the underpass. (Thanks Beth for clarifying!)

So far, there have been no incidents with the coyotes and they haven’t bothered anyone. I asked a few dog owners in the park last night if they’d seen any around; none of them had.

One owner said she’s seen them on the other side of the fence on the golf course side, but never in the park itself. But she quickly leashed up her pup, saying he likes to “walk himself” to the dog run up the back stairs, so she preferred to play it safe.

Beth tells me the Friends of Mountain Lake Park are discussing some signage with the Presidio Trust to put up around the dog run area and back wall. I’ll keep you posted if I hear anything more, but pass the word onto dog owners in the area you may know.

If you do come across a coyote, the Littleton, CO police department has this advice:

If humans come across coyotes while walking or hiking, they should make themselves as “big and loud” as possible. Using noisemakers like an air horn, or yelling and clapping can aid in deterring a coyote from investigating your presence. Humans are advised not to turn their backs on coyotes. You should face them and back away slowly if they exhibit aggressive behavior.

Sarah B.


The Presidio wall that runs alongside Mountain Lake Park on the north side of the park.
Coyotes have been seen near the fence area on the left.

13 Comments

  1. I’ve seen coyotes frequently, regularly in the Richmond District this year.

    Several times in the area of the new Lincoln Park Playground next to the Lincoln Park Golf Course and nearby preschools, which the park service obviously knows about because they occasionally put up coyote warning signs. With the new playground open there now, it is probably only a matter of time before some child is attacked by a coyote, thanks to indifference to public safety in the face of fascination with allowing potentially dangerous wild animals to set up in the city

    I also regularly see coyotes and foxes at their crepuscular hunting times in Golden Gate Park where they compete with the homeless campers to eat all the ducks. Most commonly at the Lloyd Lake, Elk Glen Lake areas, also down by the golf course/soccer field/north lake

  2. This information is incorrect. The coyotes are actually on the Presidio over the fence across from the dog run. They have not been seen on the property of Mountain Lake Park at all although they have been seen on the back road closer to the underpass. There are coyotes pups involved so it’s a good idea for dog owners to keep sharp when walking in the area.

  3. Re: What to do if you come upon a coyote? There is an APP that you can download for your phone that can be played to scare bears… probably works for coyotes as well.

  4. Thanks, Beth for clarifying. I’ve updated the story and picture.

    @Linda – If you can manage to whip out your iPhone and launch the app in time, you’re the fastest draw in the west! LOL

    Sarah B.

  5. Well maybe they kill the ducks. But probably the ducks are better off overall, because the coyotes kill the feral cats that are mostly responsible for duck kills.

  6. I’ve seen one of them trotting along near the back road closer to the underpass during an early morning long run. As my running club frequents this area, I’ve sent a message to everyone to keep their eyes open & watch out for our teammates and neighbors.

  7. I saw one this afternoon off the Lobos Creek trail between the boardwalk and the Presidio Landmark parking lot, just trotting along, minding his own business.

  8. I saw a coyote behind the Legion of Honor, they are very amazing animals

  9. A few months ago I was driving up Lake Street at about midnight and I thought I saw a stray dog ambling down Lake, around 8th Avenue — in the bike lane. But as I got closer I saw that it was a scrawny coyote just taking his time walking towards 7th Avenue. I couldn’t believe it.

  10. For several years there was a coyote den in the SF Botanical Garden not too far from the Nursery. No action was taken and when the pups became adults they moved on.

    Raccoons are more troublesome than coyotes in the City.

  11. I think “cf” needs to educate him or herself a little bit better. This attitude of “us or them!” is very sad. In most instances, it is completely possible to live in close promixity with animals and all forms of nature. Most wild animals will not attack people unless they or their offspring are directly threatened, they are starving or are sick (e.g. have rabies, etc.) I, for one, feel lucky to live in a city that has racoons, skunks, coyotes, and other wildlife. Animals and people can co-exist — just give them the room they need to find food and behave naturally — and they will generally do you the same courtesy. Rule Number One: THEY ARE NOT PETS — DO FEED THEM OR APPROACH THEM TO PET THEM!!!

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