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Coyotes in Open Space

A coyote wading through shallow water beside a rocky bank with vegetation and a single yellow flower.
A coyote wades in the arroyo.  Photo by Kinnon Ernst.

Sycamore Grove Park is home to a healthy population of coyotes. While visiting the park, it is possible you will see coyotes. We encourage visitors to understand their nature to better coexist with coyotes in the park and surrounding environment.  

A coyote pup standing among dry grass.
A coyote pup standing in dry grass.  Photo by Mari Prieto Conaway.

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are native to California and can be found in urban and rural areas. They are extremely adaptable animals. Due to their adaptability, coyotes can change their diet depending on available food sources. A coyote’s diverse diet may include small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fruit, and carrion (dead animals). 

Coyote behavior is also dependent on their habitat; therefore, urban coyotes and rural coyotes often display different behaviors. For example, urban coyotes tend to be more curious and not flee away from people as quickly as rural coyotes. Coyotes are crepuscular, meaning they are usually most active during dawn and dusk. Time of activity varies depending on environment, food availability, and seasonality. Coyote sightings may increase during their mating season from late winter to early spring as coyotes become more protective of their dens and pups.  

What to expect from coyotes in Open Space 

Coyotes in the park may be seen on or near the trails  

  • Coyotes are known to use trails as it is the easiest path from one point to another 
  • Coyotes will often deposit scat on trails to mark their territory  

Coyotes may look at you and not flee immediately or at all after seeing you or your pet 

  • Coyotes are very curious animals and often observe people 
  • Coyotes in the park are used to seeing pets and people and often aren’t bothered by people walking on the trails 

Coyotes may be active during the day 

  • Coyotes can access food during the day so it's not uncommon to see them in the middle of the day. A daytime sighting on its own is not an indication of a sick coyote. 

You may see a coyote with less fur than normal  

  • Coyotes can get mange, a skincondition caused by mites. Coyotes with mange lose their hair, scratch more than usual, and become lethargic. Coyotes can recover from mange without treatment.  
Two coyotes in motion; one jumping in a grassy field, the other running on a patchy snowy ground.
LEFT: A coyote at Sycamore Grove leaps through grass, with patchy fur and red skin from mange, photo by Bill Conaway.  RIGHT: A coyote with mange crossing a trail, photo by Michael B. Smith.

Tips to Recreate Safely in Coyote Habitat 

  • Do not feed coyotes  
  • Always keep pets on a leash 
  • If approached by a coyote, don’t run or turn your back. Wave your arms and make noise  
  • Stay on trail to avoid accidentally approaching coyote denning areas 

Want to learn more?