Coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans)

Recognized subspecies within GGNRA: California Valley Coyote (Canis latrans ochropus)

Weight range: 15-35 lbs.

Size range: 3–4ft+ long (including 16–20in. tail), 2–3ft. tall. Coyotes are long and lanky, and while often compared in size to a medium sized lab or German shepherd, coyotes are only about half the weight of these dog breeds.

Life span: Coyotes can live 10–14 years; however, most young don’t survive to reach one year of age. Road kill is a primary source of mortality for coyotes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Fur color: Varies, tones of light gray and brown, and red/orange with black and white.

 

Where do they live?

Coyotes are intelligent and social creatures that are highly adaptable and exhibit a wide range of behaviors. This behavioral flexibility allows them to live in a wide range of habitats from wildlands, to suburban, and even urban ecosystems. Coyotes do not have any particular preference for food and will eat just about anything. High pitched variations of yips, yaps, barks, and howls can often be heard when coyotes are present.

Are coyotes territorial?

Coyotes are territorial, with an alpha male and female adult defending a home range from other coyotes. The alpha male and female typically will breed each spring. The young will remain with the alpha pair until at least the fall, when some young disperse and one or two may remain on the territory with their parents as non-breeding helpers. Coyotes occupy several territories within the entire Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Each coyote family has it’s own distinct territory, which can span several miles and is defended from other coyotes. Coyotes have been observed travelling long distances in search of food and territory.

When do they have pups?

Pupping season typically runs from March thru September. During pupping season, coyotes are more protective of their territory and, in particular, den sites and new born pups. Additionally, the energetic stresses of breeding cause coyotes to be more active in foraging for food during pupping season.

When are coyotes most active?

Coyotes hunt and travel alone or in loose pairs before returning to their families. Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, though they can be active at any time and may be more active in the daytime when there are less people around.

 

It is important to follow these safety tips during your park visit. One of the most important things you can do to avoid a coyote interaction is keeping your dog on leash.

Coyote safety tips:

• Leash your dog and supervise children when in park.
• Properly dispose of trash including food and pet waste in bins. If bins are full, take it with you.
• Do not approach or allow your dog to approach coyotes.
• Do not feed or attempt to feed coyotes or other wildlife.

If you see a coyote close to you:

• Do not approach, slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. Do not run.
• Do not attempt to attract with calling, whistling, or clicking.
• Bring your pets and children to your side. Stay together as a group.
• Alert fellow park visitors.

If you are approached by a coyote:

• Pick up your small dog or child.
• Make loud noises, like yelling, clapping, or other noises to scare the coyote.
• Make yourself look bigger by waving your arms overhead or swinging a large stick.
• Move to an area with more people and activity.

When to call park dispatch 415-561-5505 immediately:

• Report attempted feeding of wildlife.
• Report negative interacations with coyotes. Such as stalking or aggressive interactions between coyotes, pets or people.

If you or another visitor is injured, call emergency dispatch 415-561-5656 or 911.

 

More resources:

See more tips on how to visit our park with your dog on our webpage:
A Dog-Friendly National Park - Golden Gate National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

If visiting the Presidio Trust property, see their website for coyote information including seasonal closures for coyote pupping season:
Coyotes in the Presidio| Presidio National Park | The Presidio (San Francisco)

Explore our iNaturalist Project: Tracking Coyotes in Marin

Statement regarding lethal coyote management action taken by park in October 2024.