Why do coyotes venture into Sacramento? Here’s how to protect your pets

Coyotes have been spotted in Sacramento and throughout California, even attacking a toddler at a park in southern California.

In early July, CBS Sacramento reported that a coyote killed a cat during the day in East Sacramento, as cars and people passed by.

While coyotes prefer prairies and deserts, they appear in the city, hiding behind bushes and wooded patches, according to the Urban Coyote Research Project. In urban areas, there’s garbage, mice, rabbits, pet food, compost and — evidently — cats that they can hunt for.

“The coyote is an extremely intelligent predator that has adapted to living in close proximity to humans,” the city of Sacramento said on its website.

Where do coyotes live in the city?

According to the city, coyotes’ natural habitat have decreased as the human population increased, resulting in the animals adjusting to living close to humans in parks and freeways.

They often travel through “trails, roads, creek beds, flood control channels and highways as convenient routes.” And they’ll hydrate from swimming pools, gutters, sprinklers, hose birdbaths, and pet dishes that are left outside.

Prevent coyotes near your home

There are various ways you can deter coyotes from your home and front yard.

The city recommends that you keep all your outdoor trash can lids closed and secured to the bin, have yard fencing that is resistant to coyotes and remove rotting fruit on the ground. You should not leave pet food or water bowls outside, especially at night, and don’t feed wild animals.

Additionally, having flashing lights, recorded human noises and moth balls in strategic areas can help deter coyotes from entering the yard, the city said.

Protect your pets

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, coyotes are naturally fearful of humans, but their behavior will change if human food and garbage is accessible to them.

“They lose caution and fear,” the department wrote on its website. “They may begin to harass domestic livestock and pets.”

To protect your furry friends, the CDFW recommends you keep small pets inside where you can watch over them and keep your pets on a lease when you’re walking them. If you have livestock, keep them in secured pens and consider using electric fencing.

If you run into a coyote

If you do happen to cross paths with a coyote, you can protect yourself and your pets by making yourself appear big, the department advised, such as lifting your arms and waving them.

You should also make noise by clapping your hands, yelling or using a whistle to scare them off.

According to the Humane Society, you can also deter a coyote by throwing sticks, small rocks or rubber balls at them, spraying a hose or water gun or using pepper spray. The organization notes that you should not run away from these animals and continue to haze the coyote until it leaves the area.

If you do get bitten or scratched by a coyote, get to a safe place and call 911 to get medical attention and report the incident to your local CDFW office.

What coyotes look like

As a member of the dog family, coyotes resembles a German Shepard or collie, according to the Urban Coyote Research Project. They have slender muzzles, pointed ears and a bushy tail. The color of their coat ranges from grey-brown, silver-grey to black. Unlike dogs, their eyes are yellow.

This story was originally published July 11, 2022 at 2:18 PM.