Coyote Safety Reminders

Coyote Safety Reminders

Published on November 03, 2025

Thanks to community members for reporting coyote sightings in some Palo Alto neighborhoods; based on coyote behavioral patterns, this is a busier time of year with sightings increasing as young coyotes venture out for the first time. While Animal Control Officers will not trap and remove coyotes, as it is illegal in California to trap and relocate any wild animal without a permit from the State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, they may post signage with safety tips for community awareness.

Staff anticipate coyote sightings will diminish as temperatures drop.

Safety Tips

• Use loud noises to scare coyotes away

• Always keep your pets on a fixed-length leash when walking them. Retractable leashes allow dogs to travel an unsafe distance away from you.

• If your pets seem nervous and frightened when outside, they may have smelled a nearby coyote.

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Be aware of your surroundings.

• Avoid activity when coyotes are most active-dawn, dusk, and at night.

• Call Animal Control to report stray or aggressive animals

• Pick up fallen fruit which attracts coyotes and secure garbage and recycle bins

• Small children and pets shouldn't play outside unsupervised

• Bring pets in at night

If you witness actively aggressive, injured, ill, or dead animals please call Palo Alto Dispatch Center at (650) 329-2413.

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