Alone with the stars in the sky, they move in the shadows. When it’s nightfall, their lean figure, umber colored eyes, and bushy tail comes to life as these mysterious creatures start roaming around the neighborhood. They make their presence known throughout the night with an echoing howl.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of a coyote roaming Sunnyside or click on the link here.
Once a rare sighting, coyotes have become a hot issue as more observations of them have been reported in the Bay Area. According to city data, approximately 600 coyote sightings have been reported to San Francisco Animal Care and Control last year. This year, it is expected to rise up to 800.
One of the key reasons why coyote rates have increased is due to urbanization. As their natural habitat is intruded upon and urbanized, coyotes simply have nowhere else to go but to the city. Furthermore, urbanization leads to an increase in domestic waste, which attracts scavengers such as coyotes and rodents.
“Communities can work to modify coyote habitats by removing potential shelters or food sources, such as overgrown areas or accessible trash bins..providing information on coyote behavior and safety precautions will help people understand how to coexist with wildlife,” stated Riordan student Juvenal Orozco ’26.
Can coyotes and humans coexist? Although there haven’t been many reports of coyote attacks on humans, they are inclined to have an eye on another creature with four legs and a tail. “[If I see a coyote] I’d first let my dog back in my house,” commented Claude Garde ’26.
Coyotes may mistake unattended dogs as prey and larger dogs as a threat to their territory. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings and to put your furry pals on a leash at all times.
According to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, three dogs were killed by coyotes at Crissy Field in September of 2024. Other deaths were reported, but could not be verified.
Instead of seeing coyotes as a threat, it is also crucial to acknowledge their role in the ecosystem.“They can definitely help eliminate infestation species,” said Jessica Cheung ’26.
Native predators such as coyotes help eliminate filthy rodents in the Bay Area. They also regulate populations of other species such as skunks, racoons, and foxes which contributes to boosting biodiversity.
Some say coyotes haven’t intruded our land, humans intruded on theirs. They are simply trying to survive. Therefore, the real question is not how to eradicate them, but how to live with them.
