What to Do if a Coyote Approaches You

As with most wild animals, coyotes have a natural fear of people and will nearly always retreat whenever they sense the presence of people, but some individuals become acclimated to people and are less easily intimidated. If a coyote advances toward you:

■ Ensure that small children are safe and that pets are leashed or otherwise restrained.

■ Face the coyote, do not back away, do not turn around, and do not run.

■ Make loud noises, wave your arms, and/or throw things to haze (not harm) the coyote.

■ If the coyote does not immediately move away, walk toward it and increase the intensity of your hazing.

■ If the coyote moves away, then stops and looks back, continue hazing until it leaves the area completely.

If you encounter a coyote that shows an unusual boldness around people, especially if it repeatedly seeks out prey around houses, report the animal to your local animal control office or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.