Check it out: Coyotes in San Francisco! (Pics)

[Ninong]

Here.

P.S. -- I'm not surprised that coyotes are taking up residence in The City. The surrounding area has had problems for the last 30 years at least with coyotes and even the occasional mountain lion coming into people's backyards because some people leave dog food out, even overnight. Coyotes will even come get it in broad daylight, assuming you don't have a large dog in your yard.

[charlie]

They will come in your yard in the daylite whether you have a big dog or not. Been there, done that!!!!! All depends on how hungry they are.

[Ninong]

Unfortunately the Golden Gate Park coyotes started causing problems by attacking dogs, so officials from the USDA shot and killed them last night.

Besides the two that were killed last night in Golden Gate Park, coyotes have been sighted in the Presidio, on Bernal Hill, in McLarne Park and around Lake Merced.

[Samper]

California.....welcome to Arkansas.

[Frag Hag]

Per El Dorado County Department of Agriculture:

Managing Urban / Suburban Coyote Problems

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are found throughout most of California. The California Department of Fish and Game estimates a population range of 250,000 to 750,000 individuals. Coyotes are very adaptable and inhabit most areas of the state with the exception of the centers of major metropolitan areas.

Southern California has coyotes, we rarely see them, but once in a while you'll hear a news story about someone's pet poodle being carted off by one.

Shay

[Ninong]

Yes, they're extremely adaptable. In fact, they extended their range from the West across the entire United States only after the arrival of the white man. They now cover the U.S. from coast to coast and they range from Northern Alaska all the way down to Panama.

When I lived in San Francisco, I never did see any in The City, but when I moved to the East Bay Hills, they were a fairly common sight. I even saw a mountain lion once but that was back in 1982. We think it was coming down from the hills at night because people were leaving food out in their backyards. That was the same problem with coyotes and raccoons. Some really stupid people will put food out on their back patios at night hoping that coyotes or raccoons will come for it. These people are not very bright.

P.S. -- If you have ever been to Yosemite National Park, you probably noticed that the coyotes are unafraid of people. I have had them approach within 15 feet looking for a handout.