Coyote Management 2024

Part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s mission is to preserve the park’s natural resources and provide for public recreation. However, where serious conflict exists between people and wildlife, we all must take action to ensure public safety.

On the early morning of Sunday, October 6, 2024, a coyote was lethally removed from Crissy Field. The National Park Service and the Presidio Trust, which jointly manage the Presidio, worked with wildlife professionals to perform this action.

Through reliable reporting and observation, we learned an individual coyote was showing assertive behavior toward humans and while no human injuries were reported, this activity involved people unaccompanied by pets. DNA testing confirmed that the coyote was also responsible for the recent attacks on small dogs that were reported in the surrounding area.

This action followed repeated attempts to haze the animal, including with the use of a paintball gun, which did not deter its aggressive behavior. Using the best available data, and in keeping with established wildlife management practices, NPS and Presidio Trust biologists made the difficult decision to lethally remove the animal in consultation with state and local authorities.

We all must work together to keep wildlife wild. The single most important thing that someone can do to help protect their dog is to keep them on a short leash, within arm's reach. Additionally, visitors should always securely dispose of food waste and other trash to discourage wildlife from eating it.

The process by which wildlife becomes habituated and loses their natural aversion to people is often the result of human behavior. In past months, our staff have received reports of people illegally feeding coyotes. Staff have also observed people encouraging their off-leash dogs to approach coyotes from afar and harass them.

We urge the public to immediately report illegal coyote feeding or any negative encounter with a coyote directly to our park dispatch center at 415-561-5505 or by emailing e-mail us. Reporting allows us to have the best available information to inform our decisions.