According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem by helping control rodent populations. While coyotes are most active between dusk and dawn, they can be seen at any time of day. 

Learning how to safely coexist is key. If you encounter a coyote, one effective technique is called “coyote hazing.” Hazing helps reinforce a natural fear of humans and discourages coyotes from returning to populated areas.

If a coyote approaches you:

• Pick up pets or small children.  Shorten the leash on larger pets.
• Stop and yell at it to go away. Do not run.
• Make yourself look big by waving your arms above your head.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Stomp your feet and make loud noise.
• Keep a safe distance.
• Carry a "noise maker" if out walking. 

Continue this hazing until the coyote leaves the area and is out of sight. If it does not move away, take a few steps forward, stop and repeat the behavior.

If you or someone you know is bitten by a coyote, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Reduce Attractants Around your Home

Coyotes often roam into neighborhoods because of things that attract them. This can include leaving pet food or water outside, unsecured trash cans or fallen fruit from trees. Removing these food sources can significantly reduce visits from wildlife. Without the lure of food or other attractants, their visits will be brief and rare, but a coyote who finds food in one yard may learn to search for food in others.

You can also make your yard less accessible. A “coyote roller” is a humane option that installs on top of a fence. When a coyote tries to climb over, the tube spins and prevents it from gaining traction.

When to Call SD Humane Society Services?

The City contracts with the San Diego Humane Society to provide animal-related services in the City of Oceanside. Contact the San Diego Humane Society at (619) 299-7012 for general inquiries, appointments, or for animal-related emergencies.

The San Diego Humane Society will respond when:

• A wild animal poses an immediate threat to people or other animals
• The animal is sick, injured, too young to survive on its own or trapped
• A rabies vector species, such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, bats or foxes, has bitten or attacked a person or pet

While rabies is rare, it is a serious and preventable disease spread through bites, which is why it is important to avoid contact and report aggressive behavior.

The San Diego Humane Society does not respond to reports of wildlife that are simply roaming or creating general nuisances, such as skunks under a porch or opossums accessing pet food.

Protecting Pets and Enjoying Public Spaces Safely

When visiting parks and public spaces, always keep dogs on leash and close to you.  If you see a coyote and have a small dog, pick it up immediately. Leaving it on the ground can trigger a chase response.

Pets left outside, even with fencing, remain at risk for predation and unnecessary conflict. Do not leave your pets unattended outside. Cats should be kept indoors whenever possible.

Resources

Preventing Coyote Conflicts

Coyote Hazing

Yard Audit Check List

Safe Coexistence with Coyotes - Video by California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Don't Feed the Wildlife - Flyer to Print  (Spanish version flyer)

Dogs & Coyotes Fact Sheet

Report Sightings to Add to the Data

Report Sick or Injured Wildlife or call San Diego Humane Society at (619) 299-7012