Coyote Awareness, Safety, Prevention & Reporting

Fullerton residents may experience sightings and occasional encounters with wildlife, including coyotes. Coyotes generally hunt between sunset and sunrise, but may be seen at any hour of the day. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), coyotes are most frequently seen and heard during mating season (January-March) and when juveniles start leaving the family pack (September-November). They are raising their young and searching for food. The CDFW indicates that coyotes are highly adaptable and often live in close proximity to populated areas where food and water sources are abundant. They usually fear humans and avoid interactions, however, if they associate humans with food, they lose their natural fear and can become bold.

While rarely a danger to humans, coyotes will display defensive behaviors if threatened or cornered. If you do encounter a coyote that behaves aggressively, you have probably gotten too close to its prey or its family, so increase the distance between you and the coyote.

What You Can Do

For the most part, coyotes coexist well within the urban environment and will not affect our daily lives. The best way to minimize the nuisance and losses caused by urban coyotes is by being proactive in keeping coyotes at bay by eliminating sources of food and water.

Helpful Tips To Stay Safe

 The City of Fullerton offers these helpful tips for residents to discourage wildlife activity in their neighborhoods and to keep their homes, family, and pets safe.

• Keeping small pets inside, particularly at dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
• Keeping pet food and water dishes inside.
• Securing food and trash at all times and removing all sources of water.
• Picking up fallen fruit and keeping compost piles tightly sealed.
• Sweeping up fallen birdseed, which can attract mice and rats, a common food source for coyotes.
• Removing brush, wood piles, and debris where coyotes can find cover and where rodents are abundant.
• Installing motion-activated lighting or sprinklers.
• If a coyote approaches or acts aggressively, throw rocks, make noise, look big, and pick up small children and pets. Do not turn your back to the animal.

Walking Dogs

When walking your dog, use a leash that provides good control of your dog — don’t use retractable leashes. When possible, walk your dog with another person. Consider carrying a stick, umbrella, or other defensive item. Experts don’t recommend Mace or other self-defense sprays as they can blow back on you. Should you encounter a coyote, pick up your dog if possible or place them behind you. Then, stand tall, yell, or throw something near the coyote. Don't run — you'll trigger the coyote's predator instinct.

Hazing

If you encounter a coyote, stand tall, wave your arms, and yell. This is what wildlife experts call hazing. If necessary, throw a rock near — not at — the animal. If the coyote doesn’t leave, slowly walk away backward while maintaining eye contact.

Additional Information

For additional safety tips, view a presentation from the County of Orange Coyotes in Your Community (PDF).

When to Report to Orange County Animal Care (OCAC):

• When coyotes are habituated (appear to have lost their fear of humans) 
• When a domestic pet has been attacked or bitten
• When a human has been attacked or bitten
• When a coyote appears sick or injured or is exhibiting abnormal behavior (walking in circles, etc.)

In these cases, OCAC responds and works in coordination with Fish & Wildlife for the protection of the community. You can report these coyote concerns to Orange County Animal Care at 714-935-6848. If a coyote becomes aggressive or threatening, residents should dial 911 immediately.