If you spend time out on the trails, you’ll see a coyote or two here and there—especially during the morning hours or at dusk.
I used to see them quite often when I ran the Goat Trails, located behind Vons off Highway 111 and Gene Autry Trail. Not only did I see coyotes; I’ve had a couple of one-on-one encounters while running the trails there.
One time, I was on my morning run and was in the wash when I felt a presence. I looked to my right to find a coyote, as big as a shepherd dog, staring right at me while running alongside, about 6 feet away. We ran together and had a stare off—with a one-way conversation on my part—for what seemed like two minutes before the coyote simply disappeared into the desert and went on its way. It was cool, but surreal!
I had another coyote encounter on the same trails, but at a different location, while I was out getting a quick run in before dark. I had my friend’s dog with me (on a leash), and we were running up the hilltop when we came to a trail fork. As we approached the fork, I was unsure whether we should make the full loop, or turn back to beat the darkness. The hesitation brought me to a stop—and I turned around to find a coyote just a few feet away. I immediately threw my arms up in the air to make myself look big, and yelled to shoo it away. Thankfully, the coyote ran off. I then picked up the biggest rock I could hold and got us off the trail and back home safely. It was most definitely an adrenaline-rush moment.
I recently attended a very interesting and informative presentation titled “Coexisting With Coyotes” by Project Coyote, hosted by Friends of Pioneertown. I was surprised to learn so much about the coyote’s interesting behavior patterns—which are often misinterpreted.
Coyotes are fascinating creatures. They provide ecological value to urban and rural ecosystems, as they help keep the rodent and rabbit populations under control; that helps control tick-borne diseases as well. This opportunistic predator will eat just about anything they find—including fruit, vegetation, insects and carrion—which allows them to thrive almost anywhere.
Coyotes are canines, genetically related to wolves and domesticated dogs, and are native to North America. According to the National Park Service, they live in small family groups (not packs) and span from Alaska to Florida, and are also found in parts of Central America.
Western coyotes weigh 25 to 35 pounds, and are significantly smaller than eastern coyotes (by 25 pounds!), which can be a hybrid between a coyote and a wolf. Wolves once helped control the coyote population, but wolves’ extreme population decrease caused an increase in the coyote population, meaning they have become more common throughout North America—including in urban areas, where the coyote has learned to adapt and live. Therefore, it’s important for us to understand their behavior, and modify our own behavior, to have a peaceful co-existence, said Renee Seacor, carnivore conservation advocate with Project Coyote.
In 2021, the number of coyotes living in and around the Coachella Valley was estimated at up to 10,000, according to Dr. James Danoff-Burg, director of conservation at The Living Desert.
Attacks on pets are common, especially cats left outside to wander, and small dogs in yards with invisible fences.
Did you know that just two or three coyotes can sound like 10 or more? Coyote groups usually consist of three or four, but large groups in rural areas can include seven to nine, and on rare occasions up to 12, Seacor said.
Seacor pointed out that while coyote attacks on humans are rare, they do happen, especially during mating season, which runs December through February. Attacks on pets are common, especially cats left outside to wander, and small dogs in yards with invisible fences. Coyotes will also attack larger dogs they perceive as rivals during mating season.
The best way to coexist with coyotes is to walk dogs on leashes, and to pick up small dogs if a coyote is nearby. If approached, be big and loud. You can also scare the animal by blowing a whistle or throwing objects (toward but not at the coyote). Do not run from a coyote; calmly leave the area.
Although it’s rare, coyotes can carry rabies. Vaccinate pets, and contact your veterinarian if coyotes attack your pet.
Even though coyotes are not something to be afraid of, they are still wild animals and should be treated as such. They can be dangerous and unpredictable, so remember to always give them respect by keeping a healthy distance—and never approach a wild animal.
Hiking With T: Coyotes Are Our Neighbors, and We Need to Coexist and Share the Trails With Them is a story from Coachella Valley Independent, the Coachella Valley’s alternative news source.