Park District Issues Coyote Warning
Photo courtesy of East Bay Regional Park District
Despite their preference for wooded areas, coyotes are frequently seen in the neighborhoods around Castro Valley, especially Five Canyons, Palomares Hills, Columbia, Greenridge, and Crow Canyon. This is why EBRPD says it is important to be aware and stay alert—even in your neighborhoods.
Last Tuesday, May 21, East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) issued a coyote advisory across all 73 of its parks and is asking residents to take precautions during the summer and throughout the year.
Many people know Lake Chabot in Castro Valley as a park managed by EBRPD. Other recreation areas they manage that have the coyote advisory include Cull Canyon and Don Castro in Castro Valley and Garin Regional Park in Hayward.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, coyotes are native to California and common in rural and suburban areas near green spaces. They are often more active in the spring and summer because pups are born and as we move into the fall. With increased activity, the number of coyote sightings also increases.
Coyotes naturally run when spotted by humans, but some have become comfortable with human presence and will continue with their activities even after being seen, according to California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Krysten Kellum.
“It’s really important always to remind people not to feed coyotes or any wildlife; that is one of the worst things you can do for their livelihood and successes,” Kellum told the Forum. “Some people might think it's cute to leave some food on the trail or something like that — it’s not.”
Despite their preference for wooded areas, coyotes are frequently seen in the neighborhoods around Castro Valley, especially Five Canyons, Palomares Hills, Columbia, Greenridge, and Crow Canyon. This is why EBRPD says it is important to be aware and stay alert—even in your neighborhoods.
East Bay Regional Parks suggests the following tips when enjoying its parks:
Avoid hiking alone to ensure you have help in an emergency.
Keep children nearby and pets on a leash.
Be aware of your surroundings during your visit.
Stay on the trail.
Never feed or try to feed the coyotes.
If you see a coyote:
Do not approach the coyote. Keep an eye on it from afar.
Don’t run away. Walk away quickly and calmly.
If approached by a coyote:
Encourage the coyote to go away if it moves within 50 feet of you.
Be as loud and big as you can. Use an aggressive, loud, and deep voice.
Wave your arms — make yourself look bigger.
Do not turn your back or run away if the coyote continues to approach.
For emergencies, call 9-1-1 or the 24-hour East Bay Regional Park District Public Safety line: 510-881-1833.