Photo by Natures Lantern – David Cruz
Local nature photographer David Cruz came upon some coyotes in Golden Gate Park last week, with pups.
He even captured a funny shot of one adult coyote crossing the road just in front of a “WARNING: COYOTES IN AREA” sign. I wonder if the coyote planned that shot for a good laugh? 😉
Sarah B.
Photo by Natures Lantern – David Cruz
Photo by Natures Lantern – David Cruz
Photo by Natures Lantern – David Cruz
Coyotes are shy animals and not known to be aggressive, but they will exhibit assertive behavior when threatened or protecting pups. Animal Care & Control advises that people in the areas of Coyote sightings take common sense precautions to protect themselves and their pets.
Never feed a Coyote. Feeding a Coyote can put your family and your pets at risk as the animal learns to expect food and loses their natural fear of humans.
If you encounter a Coyote, ‘vex’ them. Make loud noises, throw something (not to hit, but to frighten), wave your arms – it’s important that Coyotes stay wary of humans.
Keep dogs on leash – and avoid active Coyote areas when walking them.
Never leave small children unattended – and avoid taking children to active Coyote areas.
Animal Care & Control reminds the community that it is unlawful to feed Coyotes, or to harass or injure them. Never allow your dog to interact with a Coyote. For Animal Emergencies, call Animal Care & Control at (415) 554-9400.
According to Coyote experts, assertive Coyote behavior is often mistaken for aggression. Following are examples of acceptable and unacceptable Coyote behavior:
Examples of acceptable behavior include:
Vocalizing either singularly or in groups.
The Coyote retreats at the sight of a human.
The Coyote does not retreat, but maintains a distance and does not follow a human.
The Coyote shows assertive behavior or aggressive behavior followed by retreating or no further aggression.
The Coyote stays put while humans take no aggressive action to drive it off.
The Coyote shows signs of curiosity while humans take no aggressive action to drive it off.
The Coytoe retreats when humans take aggressive action to drive it off.
The Coyote displays assertive, defensive, or aggressive behavior towards a pet but not toward the pet owner.
The Coyote attacking an off leash dog.
Examples of unacceptable behavior include:
The Coyote displays unprovoked aggression toward an adult human.
The Coyote exhibits forms of predatory behavior towards adult humans that do not have a pet with them.
The Coyote does not retreat when humans take aggressive action to drive it off when the Coyote is in close proximity to a human.
The Coyote repeatedly disturbs or raids human or high use areas after mitigation measures have not deterred the Coyote.
I went for a jog sunday evening (7/21/2013) and happened to see a coyote strolling on the path towards me… when i passed him, he was probably less than 2 meters away.
It didn’t seem to pose a threat, and looked more curious than anything else.
Never the less, given the amount of children activity and playgrounds in the park, i’m surprised the authorities don’t take actions to remove coyote presence from GGP.