Coyotes in South San Francisco and Beyond – What to do?

South San Francisco, CA                February 15, 2016               

SSF Parks & Rec have put warning signs out at various parks as can be seen by the photo sent to us by Chris Willis

PREFACE: South San Francisco, and surrounding areas, are known coyote habitats and in the effort to help keep them wild and not become problematic to residents, we are sharing this information from CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife on co-existing with Coyotes in our midst.

Tom Stienstra, naturalist, author, and Outdoor Writer for the SF Chronicle warned of the conflict of wildlife and humans in his article February 14, 2016 article ‘Study Finds Mountain Lions Are Feasting on house pets and includes information on other wildlife that pose similar concerns, including Coyotes. (Read his article CLICK HERE)

LEARN MORE AT LOCAL MEETING:

Stienstra continues ‘In the Bay Area, the series of public meetings about coyote and predator awareness) are scheduled at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23 (a Tuesday) and at 10 a.m. on March 5 (a Saturday) in Brisbane. The meetings will be held at Brisbane City Hall, 50 Park Place Brisbane in the Conference Room More info HERE

For more information, go to: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/keep-me-wild.

For more information from ESC archives regarding our active Coyote wildlife CLICK HERE

Coyote Alta Mesa Verano & Lomitas in June 2013
Photo: Melissa Ponelis Kohlmeister

 From CA Department of Fish & Wildlife

Wild Animals Ruined, Even Killed, by People’s Carelessness
Wild animals are in trouble, and the problem is people who are careless with food and garbage.

Coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to keep rodent populations under control. They are by nature fearful of humans.

If coyotes are given access to human food and garbage, their behavior changes. They lose caution and fear. They may cause property damage. They might threaten human safety. They might be killed.

Relocating a problem coyote is not an option because it only moves the problem to someone else’s neighborhood.

Help prevent human-coyote conflicts.

“Coyote country” precautions

Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be deadly conflicts with pets or livestock, or serious injuries to small children.
Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young.
If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
If a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact the nearest Department of Fish and Wildlife or law enforcement office.
Stash Your Food and Trash
Allowing coyotes access to human food and garbage is reckless and deadly.

The hidden coyote wandering through a grove of trees near Winston Manor
Photo Cynthia Marcopulos

Coyotes primarily hunt rodents and rabbits for food but will take advantage of whatever is available including garbage, pet food, and domestic animals.

Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.

Coyote at Westborough Park
Photo Jessica Adkins

Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
Bring pets in at night, and do not leave pet food outside.
Avoid using bird feeders as they attract rodents and other coyote prey.
Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry and other livestock.
Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.

Please respect and protect wild animals. Keep them wild.

‘This is behind my house at Larch at Sign Hill’
Photo: RamonVelia De La Cruz T

More on how to treat ALL Wildlife in addition to Coyotes

Keep Me Wild

Wild animals don’t need your handouts.
They need your respect.

You may not realize it – a simple bag of garbage, bowl of pet food, or plate of leftovers left outside your home or vacation site, can cause severe harm to wildlife.

Whether you live in a city or a rural part of California, wild animals are your neighbors. Most wild animals will not bother you. They naturally fear humans and keep their distance – so long as they remain fully wild.

But if wild animals have access to human food and garbage, they want more and more. They lose their natural fear of humans and can become aggressive.

If bears and other wild animals damage property or threaten human safety, they might be killed. Allowing wild animals access to human food is dead wrong.

Please – stash your food and trash.
Keep them wild.

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UPDATE from the City of Brisbane

Coyote Workshop #1 with the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

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Tuesday, February 23, 2016 – 7:00pm
Please join us in the Community Meeting Room at City Hall on Tuesday, February 23rd at 7pm to hear from officials from the Department of Fish & Wildlife as well as a San Mateo County Game Warden and possibly a wildlife biologist. They will share their perspectives and answer any questions from the public on ways to keep coyotes at bay. This first workshop will be televised and archived on the City’s website.
A second workshop for those unable to make an evening weekday meeting is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 5th at 10am. We look forward to the discussion and working towards a solution to keep the coyotes, our pets, and our families safe!
– See more at: http://www.brisbaneca.org/coyote-workshop-1-ca-dept-fish-wildlife#sthash.gDobDcQ2.dpuf