Coyote Sightings & Safety Reminder

Published on November 04, 2025

The City has received reports of coyote sightings and would like to thank community members for reporting them. Coyotes are native to California and are found in various wildland habitats, as well as in rural and urban areas. As a reminder when seeing wildlife like coyotes, please use caution. It is important to stay away from coyotes and report what you saw to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) through its Wildlife Incident Reporting system at apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir.

What To Do If a Coyote Is Seen

If you see a coyote, keep an eye on it and observe from afar. Do not approach or engage with a coyote; walk away calmly and leave the area immediately. Do not run. Keep small children close by and dogs on a leash.

What To Do If Approached by a Coyote

Most coyotes fear people, but those that learn to associate humans with food may adjust to the presence of humans. Documented coyote attacks on people are rare and are usually related to handfeeding or the presence of a dog. When a coyote is encountered within 50 feet and does not move away on its own, use the following tactics—known as hazing—to intimidate it and encourage it to maintain a safe distance.

1. Maintain eye contact.
2. Be as big and loud as possible.
3. Wave arms or use a tool like an umbrella to scare, not injure, the animal.
4. If a coyote continues to approach, do not run or turn away. Continue to exaggerate the above gestures while backing away slowly.

In the Neighborhood

Do these five things to reduce conflict with coyotes:

1. Never feed or attempt to tame a coyote.
2. Never leave pet food outside.
3. Tightly secure garbage, compost, and recycling bins.
4. Remove fallen fruit from the ground as quickly as possible.
5. Trim bushes and close off access to spaces under porches and decks to minimize opportunities for coyotes to shelter.

Coyotes and Pets

Coyotes can pose a danger to pets. Follow these guidelines to keep dogs and cats safe:

1. Never let dogs chase or play with a coyote.
2. When encountering a coyote, leash larger dogs, pick up smaller dogs, haze the coyote (as described above), and leave the area calmly.
3. Coyotes see domestic cats as prey. Keeping cats indoors is the best way to ensure their safety.

Public safety concerns in Albany should be reported to the Albany Police Department, 1(510) 525-7300. If your wildlife encounter is an emergency, call 911.